Russian opera star Dmitry Khvorostovsky has withdrawn from performing in “the foreseeable future” because of his ongoing battle with brain cancer.
In a statement released on his website, the singer said that persistent problems with his balance made it “extremely difficult” to perform on stage.
He pledged that he would continue to work on new recordings, as well as individual recitals and performances.
“Singing is my life, and I want to continue bringing joy to people worldwide,” he said.
Fifty-four-year-old Khvorostovsky, who was born in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June 2015. He has continued to perform over the past year but has occasionally been forced to cancel appearances because of ongoing treatment.
The baritone, who was named a “People’s Artist of Russia” in 1995, last performed in Verdi’s La Traviata in Vienna.