Soprano Gheorghiu Files For Divorce From Alagna

Soprano Angela Gheorghiu and tenor Roberto Alagna are ending their marriage on a low note.

In a statement posted Saturday on her Web site, Gheorghiu (gee-or-GEE-you) says she has started divorce proceedings against Alagna (a-LAN-ya). The couple married on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in April 1996 with then New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani presiding.

The statement says the couple have been separated for the last two years.

In August, Gheorghiu withdrew from the first six performances of the Met's new production of Bizet's "Carmen," which opens New Year's Eve. She was supposed to sing with Alagna during those performances, including a Jan. 16 matinee set for simulcast around the world.

Mezzo Elina Garanca (e-LEE-na Ga-RAN-cha) will replace her.

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On the Net:

http://www.angelagheorghiu.com/news/2009/oct/10/statement/