DESSI COLLAPSES, OUT OF ‘OTELLO’

Italian soprano Daniela Dessi has canceled her appearances as Desdemona in Los Angeles Music Center Opera’s production of Verdi’s “Otello,” which opens the company’s inaugural season next week at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

According to John Howlett, director of public affairs at MCO, Dessi collapsed at the airport in Milan Friday morning and was taken to a local hospital. Howlett could provide no other details of her condition, nor would he speculate on a successor.

“Obviously, we are searching,” he said. “The show will go on as scheduled.” Dessi was to have replaced Rosalind Plowright, who canceled several months ago because of pregnancy.

“Otello” will open Tuesday with Placido Domingo in the title role and Sherrill Milnes singing Iago. Subsequent performances are scheduled for Friday and Oct. 12.