San Francisco Opera Verdis Rigoletto (2012)

One of operas most vivid and compelling characters a vengeful court jester desperately tries to protect his daughter from disaster in this heartwrenching tragedy The first of two worldclass casts led by Music Director Nicola Luisotti stars Željko Lučić whose vocal artistry is exceptional The New York Times Aleksandra Kurzak a superstar in the making The Guardian London and as the lecherous Duke Francesco Demuro whose open bright superbly focused tone was reminiscent of Pavarotti Opera News