Dessay cancels La Scala performances for illness

Associated Press

MILAN (AP) — La Scala opera house says soprano Natalie Dessay has been forced to cancel her appearances in the opera "Manon" for health reasons.

Dessay was due to appear in the role of Manon Lescaut for seven performances starting June 19. She will be replaced by Anna Netrebko and Ermonela Jaho.

The 47-year-old Dessay needed a relief soprano at the Metropolitan Opera in New York after struggling through the first act of Verdi's "La Traviata" in April. The Met at the time said she was bothered by a cold that had caused her to miss the opening.