This week, Opera San José is set to bring a production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” with a cast of rising stars and veterans of San Jose including Eugene Brancoveanu. Brancoveanu is a Tony Award-winning baritone who became a Resident Artist of San Jose during the 2019-2020 season and stayed with the company until 2023. He became a favorite of the company {…}
It belongs in the past, the idea of gathering excellent singers for opening night and then choosing unknown young performers for alternative casts. Teatro Real, with the participation of Quinn Kelsey, John Osborn and Gianluca Buratto, proved how strong cast C was for its production of “Rigoletto.” Quinn Kelsey as Rigoletto Baritone Quinn Kelsey portrayed the titular role. He has {…}
The Teatro Real de Madrid continued its run of “Rigoletto” with a second cast under the musical direction of Nicola Luisotti. Since our earlier review of the first cast already explores the production itself, we will jump right into an analysis of the vocal performances. Étienne Dupuis was a lyrical Rigoletto, but far too lyrical. His warm and effortless timbre {…}
(Credit: Javier del Real) A woman’s whimper, a stifled scream, echoes in the dark. She flees into the theatre, amidst the stalls, chased by a few men in ominous rabbit masks. She seeks refuge on stage, terrified in front of the bright red curtain, the pack hunts her down, overpowers her. The trombones attack the prelude, with haunting repeated notes, {…}
Credit: Meg Goldman Verdi’s “Rigoletto” was staged by Regina Opera Company in Brooklyn, New York, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Nov. 18, 2023. Impressive vocalists in the cast included Peter Hakjoon Kim in the title role, Veronica Mak as Gilda, and Christopher Trapani as the Duke of Mantua. Scott Jackson Wiley was on the podium, conducting the Regina {…}
(©Tristram Kenton) The Royal Opera presented at their Covent Garden Theatre a revival of their new production of “Rigoletto” by the stage director, and artistic director of the Royal Opera, Oliver Mears. Oliver Mears’ production is austere and minimalistic. The first two acts have a back golden wall, with big paintings hanging on the palace’s scenes, and Gilda’s room for {…}
Opera San José’s 40th anniversary season will continue with Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The opera will be directed by Dan Wallace Miller with Jorge Parodi conducting. Baritone Eugene Brancoveanu will return to Opera San José in the title role alongside tenor Edward Graves as the Duke of Mantua and soprano Melissa Sondhi as Gilda. The cast also features bass-baritone Ashraf Sewailam as Sparafucile, mezzo soprano Melisa Bonetti Luna as {…}
Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera (HALO) is set to premiere “Rigoletto.” The production, set to take place at Charleston’s Festival Hall, will star Paul LaRosa in the title role. He is joined by Ashley Fabian as Gilda and Christopher Bozeka as the Duke. Other cast members include Robert Pomakov, Lucy Evans, Katie Small, Kenneth Stavert, Samuel Stevenson, and Chris {…}
(© Laura Scaccabarozzi) When you talk about Verdi baritones in the modern era, few singers fit the bill quite like Amartuvshin Enkhbat. The Mongolian baritone possesses a potent voice with a confident upper range that can then transform into the most gentle of vocal caresses. His vast vocal palette has made him a go-to in the Italian composer’s iconic roles. {…}
The Atlanta Opera is set to open its mainstage season with Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The new production by Tomer Zvulun will be performed on Nov 4 -7, 2023 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Regarding his new production, Zvulum said, “Verdi’s iconic clown character, Rigoletto, is doomed from the very first scene to a cursed fate. Our production highlights his {…}
OperaDelaware has unveiled its 2023-24 season. First up is Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in a production starring Grant Youngblood, Rachel Blaustein, Dane Suarez, Young Bok Kim, Megan Marino, and Joseph Lodato, among others. Kristen Barrett directs and Viswa Subbaraman conducts the production. There will be a microgala prior the opening performance to give audiences a chance to meet the artists of the {…}