Domingo speaks of cancer fear

Placido Domingo admitted he was scared when he heard he had colon cancer and said he is overjoyed to be able to return to singing in public again at Milan's La Scala – one of the most challenging operatic venues.

"The joy of returning to Milan is immense... especially being able, after some fear, to continue my career," the 69-year-old tenor said on Monday before he debuts on April 16. Domingo will sing the baritone role of Simon Boccanegra in Giuseppe Verdi's opera of the same name at La Scala, whose audiences are renowned for their vocal appreciation – or rejection – of singers.

Ticket prices range from €12 (Dh59.8) to €187 and Milan's opera conoscenti have already bought up almost all available seats. (www.teatroallascala.org)

Domingo had surgery to remove a malignant polyp from his colon in New York last month.