Vancouver Opera Launches 2025-26 Season with Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’

The Vancouver Opera is poised to kick off its 2025-26 season with a new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera, “Rigoletto.” The performance will premiere on October 25, 2025, and will run for three performances until November 2, 2025. This collaboration with Pacific Opera Victoria aims to explore the emotional depths of the tragic narrative while remaining faithful to Verdi’s original intentions.

Under the direction of Glynis Leyshon and conducted by Jacques Lacombe, the production promises to deliver a fresh perspective on the story of love and revenge. The title role will be performed by Michael Chioldi, a sought-after American baritone, making his debut with the Vancouver Opera. He will be joined by Yongzhao Yu as the Duke of Mantua, alongside an ensemble that includes Nathan Berg as Sparafucile, Emma Parkinson as Maddalena, and Neil Craighead as Conte Monterone.

In a statement, Tom Wright, General Director of Vancouver Opera, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Pacific Opera Victoria, stating, “Working with Pacific Opera Victoria allows us to open our 2025–2026 season with a new production of a masterpiece by one of opera’s greatest composers. Rigoletto is filled with deep, multi-layered emotions, and the powerful voices of our principal performers will ensure that every feeling is felt fully.”

The production will also feature Sarah Dufresne, an award-winning soprano and rising international star, in the role of Gilda. This pairing of established and emerging talent is expected to enhance the dramatic centerpiece of the opera: the complex father-daughter relationship that drives the narrative forward.

As the Vancouver Opera prepares for this significant launch, audiences can anticipate a dynamic interpretation that conveys the timeless themes of Verdi’s work. The combination of a talented cast and the innovative direction is set to create a memorable experience for opera lovers and newcomers alike.

With its commitment to artistic excellence and collaboration, the Vancouver Opera is ready to captivate audiences this fall. Tickets for the performances are expected to be in high demand, reflecting the enduring popularity of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.”