The Metropolitan Opera's performance of Il Trovatore on November 17 featured two significant debuts in the opera’s second act.

Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz made an unanticipated debut as Manrico, while Leah Hawkins took on the role of Leonora for the first time.

Chacón-Cruz stepped in for Michael Fabiano, and Hawkins replaced Angela Meade. Both singers announced on social media that they were unable to continue with the second act due to illness and expressed their support for their replacements.

Chacón-Cruz is renowned for his portrayal of Manrico, having performed the role at the San Francisco Opera and in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. He has also appeared at the Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Florida Grand Opera, Arena di Verona, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Hawkins has previously performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Arizona Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Pittsburgh Opera.

The performance also featured Olesya Petrova, Ryan Speedo Green, and Igor Golovatenko, with Daniele Callegari conducting.

Both Meade and Fabiano are expected to return to the production on November 22.