Gheorghiu cancels remainder of 'Carmen' at Met

(AP) — Soprano Angela Gheorghiu (gee-or-GEE'-yoo) has canceled her remaining two performances of the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Bizet's "Carmen."

Gheorghiu withdrew in August from her first six performances of the run, which began Dec. 31. She was to appear in those performances with her husband, tenor Roberto Alagna (a-LAN'-ya). The staging had been designed around the couple, but Gheorghiu said in October she and Alagna are divorcing.

Carmen is written for a mezzo-soprano, and Gheorghiu hasn't performed it on stage. She said Friday in a statement issued by the Met that she needs more time to prepare for the role.

She was to sing the performances of April 28 and May 1 with tenor Jonas Kaufmann. The Met says she will be replaced by Kate Aldrich.