The Portland Opera is set to kick off its 2018 production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.”

The production will kick off on May 4, 2018, with subsequent showcases on the sixth, 10th, and a final performance on the 12th. All of the presentations will be at the Keller Auditorium.

This year’s production will feature Portland Opera Music Director George Manahan leading baritone Stephen Powell, tenor Barry Banks, and soprano Katrina Galka in the iconic leading roles.

The middle period Verdi opera will be directed by Christopher Mattaliano, who recently stated in a press release that “‘Rigoletto’ is remarkable not only for the beauty and power of the music, but the also the vivid characterizations and compact dramatic pacing. It will be a riveting experience of opera, and we’re pleased to start our season with grand opera at its finest.”

Portland Opera first showcased the opera in 1968 and would revive it on five following occasions in 1974, 1981, 1990, 1998, and most recently in 2009.