Jonas Kaufmann opens season with a cold cancellation

Message from the German tenor:

Dear Friends,

I am so sorry that I was obliged to cancel my appearance at the prestigious George Enescu Festival due to a bad cold, and I deeply regret that any of you feel left down. I can very well understand that all those who have gone to great expense for traveling and tickets are very disappointed. Please do know that I am extremely disappointed as well to have to forego the pleasure and privilege to sing for you. We will do everything we can to find a new date for a recital at the Festival in 2019.
Jonas Kaufmann

UPDATE: We hear from a disappointed party of German visitors that Kaufmann cancelled too late for a replacement to be inserted. The festival has offered money back for their tickets, but not for their air fares and hotels.