(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper)

It’s a big week for Juan Diego Flórez – the Peruvian tenor is set to take the stage of the Arena di Verona for the first time.

Following a career that has led him to some of the most important Italian theaters in the world, including the Teatro alla Scala, Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, and the Rossini Opera Festival, Flórez will finally delight Verona audiences in two performances.

First up, he will sing the role of the Duke in “Rigoletto” before headlining a special gala in which he gets to feature some of his most important roles alongside a number of renowned artists.

Flórez made his role debut as the Duke in 2008 at Teatro Municipal del Callao before taking on the role at the Semperoper Dresden. He has since sung as the Duke countless times, including atthe Wiener Staatsoper where he received raves with critics stating he was “phrasing elegantly, with his even-scaled tenore di grazia – and presenting a proud, witty, and rather nonchalant figure.”

For those not in Verona for the big debut, Florez will sing two productions at the Wiener Staatsoper next season and present recitals all over the world.

Recordings

Florez has an immense discography, including a recording of “Rigoletto” from Dresden with Diana Damrau. He also has a recording from the Wiener Staatsoper. Here is a look at his interpretation from both recordings.