Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Blythe Replaces Ailing John Relyea April 2

John Relyea, the celebrated bass-baritone slated to perform Thursday, April 2, in Oberlin with pianist Warren Jones as part of the Artist Recital Series, has had to cancel his engagement due to illness.

The April 2 show will go on, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe to join Jones on the Finney Chapel stage at 8 p.m.

Musical America's Vocalist of the Year for 2009, Blythe has earned a reputation as one of the world's most respected mezzo-sopranos through distinguished performances in many of the world's finest opera houses and with top orchestras.

The artists will perform an art song recital program. The first half of the concert is a set of French works by Francis Poulenc, Jacques Brel, and Léo Ferré. The second half features British composers Benjamin Britten and Nöel Coward.

Tickets for John Relyea will be accepted at the door, and additional tickets ($30; $25 for seniors, Oberlin alumni, and staff; and $10 for all students) are available by calling 800-371-0178 or visiting oberlin.edu.