George Gagnidze Leads The Dallas Opera’s ‘Rigoletto’
By Francisco SalazarThe Dallas Opera is set to open its 65th Anniversary Season with Verdi’s “Rigoletto.”
The opera will be directed by Tomer Zvulun and will star George Gagnidze in his TDO debut. The baritone has performed the role around the world at the Teatro alla Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. He will be joined by Madison Leonard in TDO debut, René Barbera, Raymond Aceto, and Nadia Krasteva.
Music Director Emmanuel Villaume leads The Dallas Opera Orchestra in Verdi’s thrilling and popular score, while Stephanie Havey joins Mr. Zvulun as associate director of the Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and The Atlanta Opera co-production. Erhard Rom updates the production to 1930’s fascist Italy as set designer, Jessica Jahn is costume designer, Robert Wierzel is lighting designer, and David Zimmerman is wig and make-up designer.
“Rigoletto” opens on Oct. 8 at the Winspear Opera House and audiences will be invited to join in the lobby for a celebratory post-performance party featuring live entertainment from Ricki Derek, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and cash bars throughout the Winspear. The opera will run through Oct. 16. The final performance will be live streamed exclusively via thedallasopera.TV with pay-what-you’re-able pricing.