Qerkezi Takes Over Title Role in Royal Opera Aida
Angel Blue has withdrawn from the Royal Opera's Aida, with Marigona Qerkezi stepping in for all performances.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Opera
Angel Blue has withdrawn from the Royal Opera's upcoming production of Aida, which runs May 19 through June 12, 2027. Marigona Qerkezi will assume the title role for all performances, and the rest of the cast will remain unchanged.
Why it matters
The change means audiences will still see a fully cast title role, with Qerkezi already scheduled for several performances. Blue has also stepped away from all operatic performances for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.
The production runs May 19 through June 12, 2027, with Qerkezi already booked for May 26, June 1 and June 7 before taking on the full run. The announcement does not give a reason for Blue's withdrawal from the production.
The players
Royal Opera
The Royal Opera is the resident opera company of the Royal Opera House in London, presenting a full repertoire of operas.
Marigona Qerkezi
Marigona Qerkezi is a soprano who has performed Aida at several major European and international opera houses.
Angel Blue
Angel Blue is an American soprano known for leading roles in major opera houses around the world.
The details
Marigona Qerkezi, who made her Royal Opera debut in 2025 as Leonora in Verdi's Il trovatore, will perform the title role throughout the engagement. She has previously sung Aida at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro de la Maestranza, Ópera A Coruña, Polish National Opera and Dubai Opera.
Timeline
2025: Qerkezi makes her Royal Opera debut as Leonora in Il trovatore.
October 2026: Qerkezi debuts at Stuttgart Opera as Tosca.
May 19 through June 12, 2027: Royal Opera's Aida production runs.
Industry Dynamics
Qerkezi has built a track record in Aida at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro de la Maestranza, Ópera A Coruña, Polish National Opera and Dubai Opera, and this Royal Opera engagement extends that pattern. Opera houses increasingly rely on singers with prior experience in a role when replacing a principal late in the planning cycle.
Ticket holders for the Aida performances will see Qerkezi in the title role rather than Blue, and the rest of the production is unchanged. The source does not describe any changes to ticket prices or booking arrangements.
The takeaway
Audiences booked for the Royal Opera's Aida can expect the same production with Marigona Qerkezi in the title role across the full run from May 19 through June 12, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the art form, explore the Opera section.
