Juliane Banse Replaces Genia Kuhmeier in Metropolitan Opera's ARABELLA

Juliane Banse will make her Met debut as Zdenka in this season's performances of Strauss's Arabella, replacing Genia Kühmeier, who has withdrawn for personal reasons.

German soprano Banse made her American debut earlier this season as Rosalinde in a new production of Johann Strauss's Die Fledermaus at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her recent performances in Europe have included the title role in a concert performance of Braunfels's Jeanne d'Arc at the Salzburg Festival; Leonore in Beethoven's Fidelio at Theater an der Wien; Vitellia in Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito at the Vienna State Opera; and Eva in Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at Zurich Opera. In 2010, she sang the title role in Arabella at the Tyrolean State Theater in Innsbruck.

Arabella, conducted by Philippe Auguin, also stars Malin Byström and Erin Wall in the title role; Roberto Saccà in his Met debut as Matteo; Michael Volle in his Met debut as Mandryka; and Martin Winkler in his Met debut as Waldner. The revival opens on April 3, with additional performances on April 7, 11, 16, 19 matinee, and 24.