Pittsburgh Opera announces new Samson

Great condolences to the family of Mark Lundberg, the tenor who died last week. It is a tragedy, especially as he had a large family.

The opera just announced the singer who will take his place in "Samson & Dalila." Here my note that will appear tomorrow in print:

American tenor Frank Porretta will step in as Samson in the Pittsburgh Opera’s production of “Samson & Dalila.” The role was to be sung by Mark Lundberg, who died last week. Porretta, who will make his role debut as Samson, studied at Juilliard and sings in Europe and the United States.

UPDATE 8/25/08:

I just go this fascinating bit from the Pittsburgh Opera's Opera Lady, Beth Parker:

"His father, Frank Porretta, Sr., sang Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville at Pittsburgh Opera back in January, 1960.

 Also in the cast: Roberta Peters - Rosina and Frank Valentino – Figaro