Spoleto Festival USA has let us know that Brian Matthews will now sing the role of the Ship Cook.

Alfred Barclift will now sing the role of Burnah. They have switched roles.

The schooner Amistad, a reproduction of the 19th century slaver, will be in port for the opera’s opening on May 22.

Other Amistad related events …

The ship itself will be anchored off Sullivan’s Island during an afternoon remembrance ceremony there May 15. It’ll then be escorted to Charleston Maritime Center by three tall ships, including Spirit of South Carolina, and will be open for tours May 16-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $5-$15. It will be at the dock for the Spoleto opera premiere and remain there until May 27.

The opera composer Anthony Davis and director Sam Helfrich will talk with College of Charleston music professor Trevor Weston on May 22. 5:30 p.m. Recital Hall, College of Charleston. Free.

On May 25, Martha Teichner will interview Davis and Amistad librettist Thulani Davis. 5 p.m at the Recital Hall, College of Charleston - entrance free.

May 26 - Anthony Davis and Thulani Davis along with author Josephine Humphreys and historian Bernard Powers will talk about creating works of art based on historic events. Noon, Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, 125 Bull St - also free.

May 31, attorney Robert Rosen will lead a round table discussion of the Amistad court case. 3 p.m. Avery Center - free.

Tours of the Old Slave Mart Museum and walking tours will be led by historian Harlan Greene at 10 a.m. May 24, May 31, June 2 and June 7. Tickets are $10, call 579-3100.

Charleston County Public Library’s Main Library will show a series of films related to Amistad (the ship) on the big screen - free.