Hvorostovsky in tumour scare

The week following a gloriously exciting BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition, won by the sublime soprano Nadine Koutcher from Belarus, came the news of the serious illness of Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, one of the contest’s most celebrated winners. The 52-year-old’s website said he has cancelled all professional engagements up to August after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The statement said he had recently suffered serious health issues and a ...