It has been an arduous and complicated year for Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the Russian baritone who has undergone treatment for a recently discovered brain tumor. However, as a sign of hope, Hvorostovsky has announced that he will sing at the Helikon Opera's opening gala on November 2, 2015.
Back in July, Classicalite reported that the singer was hospitalized with a brain tumor. Born from that announcement was news that the Russian native was undergoing treatment at one of London's cancer hospitals.
In light of the news, Hvorostovsky canceled all engagements through August, leaving time only for a private recital at the Russian ambassador's residence -- also in July.
Now, the opening night at the Helikon Opera will be a night endowed to the singer and his battle with cancer. The troupe, which is under the artistic direction of Dmitry Bertman, said in a statement (robo-translated below by Google)
"At the gala, we expect so many guests and friends of our theater. Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Jose Cura and Olga Borodina. And Inva Mula, known not only for her operatic works, but also for the fact that she sang the role of Diva Plavalaguna in the movie The Fifth Element."
This should be take as a big step for Dmitri, as an earlier statement claimed the singer's balance was severely affected.
"It is with great regret that Dmitri must cancel all performances from now until the end of August.," read the O.G. bariunk's Facebook. "He has recently been suffering from serious health issues, and a brain tumor has just been diagnosed. Although his voice and vocal condition are normal, his sense of balance has been severely affected. Dmitri will begin treatment this week and remains very optimistic for the future," the post concluded.
The ceremony is slated for Nov. 2 and will be a token to the singer's rise in health.
For now, though, here is a performance with fellow Ruskie, Anna Netrebko, below.
