English National Opera are sorry to announce that Dame Sarah Connolly has had to withdraw from English National Opera’s upcoming production of Orpheus and Eurydice for personal reasons.

Dame Sarah Connolly said: “Last month, I had an unwelcome birthday present, breast cancer. Like so many women afflicted with this disease, I will face whatever is coming as best I can. Imminent surgery means I must withdraw from ENO’s ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’ and ‘L’enfance du Christ’ at the BBC Proms. I hope, however, to fulfil all my other concert and recording commitments over the coming months. I’d like to thank ENO and the BBC Proms for their kindness and understanding, and I look forward to working with them both in the near future.”

Everyone at ENO sends Dame Sarah our love and we hope to see her back on the London Coliseum stage soon. We all send her our very best wishes and support as she undergoes treatment.

Alice Coote will now perform the role of Orpheus. ENO would like to say a huge thank you to Alice for stepping into the role at such short notice and look forward to welcoming her to rehearsals very soon.