News

October 24, 2007                                                                                    08-03
For Immediate Release

Calgary Opera opens mainstage season with new production of Rigoletto

Calgary, AB… Calgary Opera opens the 2007-2008 mainstage season with a brand new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto, November 10, 14 & 16 at the Jubilee Auditorium.

“Our new production places the opera in a dark, sinister circus environment as it might be imagined by Fellini,” says W.R. (Bob) McPhee, General Director & CEO. “Director Glynis Leyshon has crafted Rigoletto’s powerful story in this timeless setting where the beautiful and the monstrous coexist.”

Rigoletto is an unforgettable story of the famous hunch-backed jester whose love for his precious daughter Gilda is the one thing in his lamentable life that causes him the greatest joy and ultimately the greatest grief.

Rigoletto is conducted by Pacific Opera Victoria Artistic Director Timothy Vernon in his debut with Calgary Opera. Glynis Leyshon (Cinderella 2006) returns to direct this striking new production designed by award-winning set & costume designer Bretta Gerecke and lighting designer Harry Frehner. We are pleased to welcome Baritone Richard Paul Fink in his Calgary Opera debut as Rigoletto. Mr. Fink has been acclaimed internationally as a leading dramatic baritone in appearances across the globe. Returning to Calgary is Soprano Tracy Dahl (Don Pasquale 2003) in her first Gilda. Her flair as an actress, as well as her outstanding vocal abilities have received high praise.

Also returning to Calgary Opera are Tenor David Pomeroy (Filumena 2003) as the womanizing Duke of Mantua, who recently made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera, and native Calgarian Mezzo- Soprano Norine Burgess (Tales of Hoffmann 2004) as Maddalena. Bass-Baritone Uwe Dambruch makes his Calgary debut as Sparafucile.

Tickets range from $29 - $133. Tickets for Rigoletto are available by calling Calgary Opera at (403) 262-7286 or online at www.calgaryopera.com.

- 30 -