Lyric Opera has announced several cast changes for its 1995-96 season at the Civic Opera House.
Soprano Elizabeth Futral, who sang Cunegonde in Bernstein’s “Candide” here last season, will take over the role of Romilda in Handel’s “Xerxes,” opening Sept. 22. She succeeds Amanda Roocroft, who has withdrawn because of pregnancy. Futral’s replacement as Florestine in John Corigliano’s “The Ghosts of Versailles” (opening Oct. 14) has yet to be announced.
Italian soprano Norma Fantini will succeed Aprile Millo as Maddalena in three of the nine performances of Giordano’s “Andrea Chenier.” Millo will appear in the performances of Nov. 11, 18, 21 and Dec. 1, 8 and 12; Fantini will make her American debut in the performances of Nov. 15, 26 (matinee) and Dec. 4.
American sopranos Carol Vaness and Juliana Rambaldi will share the part of Donna Elvira in Lyric performances of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” which begins its holiday run Nov. 24. Vaness will sing the first 10 performances and Rambaldi the final two. Both are taking the place of British soprano Marie McLaughlin.
For the final performance of Gounod’s “Faust” on Feb. 23, 1996, American soprano Emily Magee will assume the role of Marguerite. The previously announced Renee Fleming will sing the remaining 10 performances. “Faust” opens Jan. 20.
