Flying overseas for the whole day, rushing through the congested New York city and arriving just an hour before the curtain might get things stressful. Nevertheless, despite tiredness and jet lag I managed to enjoy the last performance of renewed “Las Vegas” Rigoletto with a great cast, starring fabulous Željko Lučić, mesmerizing Joseph Calleja, impressive Štefan Kocán and fragile and clear toned Olga Peretyatko.
Željko Lučić received thunderous applause and ovations from the audience, his vocal performance and build up of character was impeccable, especially impressive at the last scene.

 

Olga Peretyatko was the only one from the cast I have not seen in live performance before, and her portrayal of Gilda was convincing, emotionally nuanced and well delivered vocally. She has pleasant and bright soprano with well supported top notes, it might be effect of huge MetOpera and seating on Family circle that at some moments made me feel that she is lost behind the orchestra. The audience also appreciated her performance enthusiastically.

Joseph Calleja was unexpectedly good as The Duke, he balanced both vocal and dramatic aspects of the role, creating vivacious, energetic and superbly sung protagonist.

Štefan Kocán created threatening and vocally mesmerizing vicious Sparafucile, his bass resonating through the auditorium and sending shudder up your spine. He has a great instrument at his possession and enviable breath control.

The ensemble worked well aligned, impressive singing in Act 3 quartet. The performance has been on The Met stage for quite some time, adn this was the last performance of the revival this season. I am very glad I managed to see it – worth the rush and hassle and overcoming flight tiredness!
Giuseppe Verdi. Rigoletto.
Opera in three acts. Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on the play Le Roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo The Metropolitan Opera, performance on Thursday, April 27, 2017

The creative team

Production Michael Mayer

Set designer Christine Jones

Costume designer Susan Hilferty

Lighting designer Kevin Adams

Choreographer Steven Hoggett

Conductor Pier Giorgio Morandi

The Cast

The Duke Joseph Calleja

Rigoletto Željko Lučić

Marullo Jeff Mattsey

Count Ceprano Paul Corona

Monterone Robert Pomakov

Sparafucile Štefan Kocán

Gilda Olga Peretyatko

Giovanna Maria Zifchak

Maddalena Nancy Fabiola Herrera