On April 10, the Opernhaus Zürich will revive its acclaimed production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The production will feature veteran performers and some of the most acclaimed interpreters of the opera. However, there will be a newcomer to the opera, Sandra Hamaoui.

The French-American soprano will make her role debut as Gilda following her successful turn as Constance in a new production of “Les Dialogues des Carmèlites.” The soprano took to social media to show her excitement for her new role stating, “This music, this story, this cast, this role… I am feeling so GIDDY to get to sing my first Gilda in just ONE WEEK!!!”

As an ensemble member of Zürich, Hamaoui has had quite a season which includes this role debut and also sees her perform in productions of “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Lakmé,” and “Alice im Wunderland” next season. 

Hamaoui has previously performed at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Verbier Festival, and Théâtre des Champs-Elysee and has been a National Semi-Finalist in The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions as well as a first place winner in the New England Regional Finals. 

Recordings 

For those not familiar with the soprano’s voice, here are some excerpts from “Der Rosenkavalier,” “L’ELisir d’Amore,” and music by Obradors.

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