The Berlin State Opera has announced a cast change for its performance of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” on May 24, 2023.

The company said that Antonio di Matteo will sing the role of Sparafucile stepping in for Grigory Shkarupa.

Di Matteo is a an Italian bass who has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Salzburg Festival, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Wiener Staatsoper, Teatro di San Carlo, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. His repertoire includes the music of Verdi, Bellini, Donizetti, Mozart, and Puccini.

Di Matteo joins a cast that includes Nadine Sierra, Christopher Maltman, and Francesco Demuro. Giuseppe Mentuccia conducts the production by Bartlett Sher.

Shkarupa returns to the production for the final three performances on May 31, June 2, and 4, 2023.