Opera Queensland has announced Julian Gavin is unable to perform due to prolonged illness.

Melbourne-born tenor Julian Gavin will no longer be able to sing the role of Dick Johnson in Opera Queensland’s production of The Girl of the Golden West, which opens in May.

“Julian has been battling a serious illness since the start of this year,” said Chris Mangin, chief executive and artistic director of the company. “He’s presently at his home in the UK undergoing treatment. We wish Julian a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in Brisbane in October as Mario Cavaradossi in our production of Tosca.”

The Italian-based Australian Carlo Barricelli has stepped in at short notice, joining rehearsals in early May. “We are incredibly fortunate that there is a window of...