Celebrated tenor Placido Domingo has paid tribute to composer Daniel Catan by dedicating his upcoming performances of Il Postino to the late opera star, who died unexpectedly in April.
Catan, best known for his theater adaptation of the 1994 Italian movie, passed away in his sleep in Austin, Texas.
Domingo, who starred as poet Pablo Neruda in Catan's original production of Il Postino, which premiered at the Los Angeles Opera last year, was left devastated by the sudden news and he will honour his old friend when he takes to the stage for the Paris, France opening of the show next week.
The singer admits rehearsals for the new shows have been emotionally tough for all members of the cast.
He says, "Every 15 minutes, someone starts crying because something reminds them of Daniel."