"Rigoletto," a dramatic journey of undeniable force

Wichita Grand Opera brings a new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigolettoto the Century II concert hall September 3. A dramatic journey of undeniable force, Rigoletto is based on a controversial play by Victor Hugo, better known as the author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables.

Rigoletto tells of an outcast - a hunchbacked jester - who is trapped between his desire to be “normal” and his jealousy of those who are. Rigoletto, the licentious womanizer Duke of Mantua and Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda are the major characters. The story, written during the most fertile period of Verdi’s artistic life, was immensely popular from its premiere and remains fresh and powerful to this day.

Leonardo Capalbo makes his WGO debut as the Duke of Mantua in this production. He has previously sung the role of The Duke with the opera houses of Leipzig, São Paulo Brazil, Toulon, and Montreal. Michael Nansel returns to Wichita to sing the part of Rigoletto, following an outstanding performance last season as Rodrigo in Verdi’s Don Carlo. 

Yunnie Park singsGilda.Praised in Opera News as “gleaming, elegant, soaring toned” and with “sunny” stage presence, Korean soprano Parkcontinues to thrill audiences with her lyric soprano repertoire. 

The single performance of Rigolettois Saturday, September 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $37 to $85 with a reduced rate for students, and are available online at www.WichitaGrandOpera.org, by phone at (316) 262-8054 or in person at the Century II Concert Hall.

The Gayly – August 27, 2016 @ 10:40 a.m.