15 minutes ago

NEW YORK - At this rate, Ben Heppner and Deborah Voigt may never sing “Tristan und Isolde” together.

After missing the first four performances of the highly anticipated revival at the Metropolitan Opera, Heppner planned to return Tuesday night.

But Voigt woke up Tuesday with a fever and nausea, spokesman Albert Imperato said. She was to be replaced by understudy Janice Baird.

Heppner and Voigt, two of the world’s leading Wagnerian singers, have never sung the opera together and have one more chance: Friday night.

Heppner missed the performances of March 10, 14, 18 and 22 because of a blood-borne infection that abscessed in his pelvic region. In the March 14 performance, Voigt was bothered by a stomach ailment and left in the middle on the second act. After a delay of about 15 minutes, Baird took over in her Met debut.

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On the Net:

http://www.metopera.org

http:deborahvoigt.com

http://www.benheppner.com