‘Rigoletto’ at LA Opera

This spring, René Barbera returns to LA Opera as the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, Giuseppe Verdi’s gripping tale of power, corruption, and revenge. He previously appeared with the company in two of his acclaimed Rossini roles: Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola.

This celebrated production, directed by Tomer Zvulun, presents a striking visual and dramatic interpretation of Verdi’s masterpiece set in 1930s Italy, where dazzling surface beauty conceals an underworld of moral decay. LA Opera describes it as “transporting audiences into a realm of glittering grandeur that’s rotten to the core.”

Barbera joins a powerhouse cast led by Quinn Kelsey in the title role, with Lisette Oropesa and Kathryn Lewek sharing the role of Gilda (May 31–June 15 and June 18–21, respectively). The cast also features Blake Denson as Count Monterone, Peixin Chen as Sparafucile, and Sarah Saturnino as Maddalena. LAO Music Director James Conlon conducts.

René Barbera performs as the Duke of Mantua on May 31, June 8, 15, 18, and 21.