The Pittsburgh Opera has released Chinese bass Hao Jiang Tian from its season-opening production of Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin," the company confirmed. Tian was to sing the role of Prince Gremin in September and October at the Benedum Center, but was invited by the Chinese government to sing in a lavish production of "Turandot" in the "Bird's Nest" Olympic Stadium. The performance is part of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and will include thousands of singers and actors on stage.

"Tian is very sorry that he will not be able to make it for the production of 'Eugene Onegin' at Pittsburgh Opera," said his wife Martha Liao. "But his participation in this monumental production of 'Turandot' is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity [in] Beijing, his hometown."

Pittsburgh Opera is in the process of naming a replacement.