Teatro Lirico D’Europa, the European opera touring company formed in 1988 by Giorgio Lalov, a former Bulgarian opera singer, has completed over 4,000 performances worldwide including 10 consecutive US tours covering over 500 performances at 105 different American theatres. The popular company embarks on its 11th season of touring in America in fall 2009 and winter/spring 2010 with performances of several different full-scale operas, including a traditional version of Verdi’s RIGOLETTO.
Soloists for the productions were chosen from auditions held in major cities around the world. They are all professionals in the midst of major operatic careers. Teatro Lirico holds the important distinction of being the only European opera touring company to present an annual season of opera in a U.S. theatre with its own subscription series. Since winter 2000, the company has performed over 15 different opera productions at the Majestic Theatre in Boston. The company now performs there 10-12 times per year to many sold out audiences.
Composed in 1851, RIGOLETTO is an intriguing study of the contrasts between good and evil. Destinies collide as the womanizing Duke of Mantua and his vengeful court jester RIGOLLETO, weave a fascinating drama of seduction, betrayal, curses and vendettas ending with the tragic death of an innocent young woman.
Here are some reviews!:
Dazzling RIGOLETTO
"A splendid rendition of Verdi's 'Rigoletto,' The sets were traditional and colorful, the acting sincere and believable and the singing often dazzling. Much of the credit goes to the intelligent planning of artistic Director Giorgio Lalov. Lalov called on his cast to give performances that were down to earth and believable. Lalov kept the action sharp, focused and inevitable. Teatro's orchestra, expertly conducted by Krassimir Topolov, performed with sweep and vitality. The singing and acting were uniformly strong." -ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE - John Pitcher - Mar. 2002
Teatro Lirico Shines in Dark Verdi Comedy!
"Teatro Lirico D'Europa examined one of the great black comedies, Verdi's RIGOLETTO. The singing filled the whole neighborhood. They sing like they've got opera deep in their bones. The performance was a direct injection of European taste, coming from a place where opera is a true passion, not a passing thought. The singing was extraordinary! The chorus sang with gusto and confidence. The orchestra under Krassimir Topolov sounded terrific." -BOSTON HERALD - Keith Powers - Mar. 2002
Teatro Lirico's RIGOLLETO, a Performance to Savor!
"Last night's RIGOLETTO, the latest from Teatro Lirico D'Europa, was a keeper, one of the best traveling operas to come through here in a long, long time. But then Teatro Lirico has emerged as top dog among touring companies. The company has always boasted great singers. Their RIGOLETTO boasted an appealing cast. Rather than stylized staggers, we got true-to-life responses to deeply felt emotion. As the night's GILDA, American soprano, Melody Alesi, slid into a melting "Caro Nome," her big first-act aria, she stretched her arms heavenward, as though feeling love for the first time. This was a big orchestra - so big it spilled out of the Vet's pit onto the corners of the stage. Duke, John Fowler, was more than up to the task, especially in those ringing high notes. His top voice was true and clear. But the big voice in the show belonged to Russian baritone, Sergei Moskalkov who sang his heart out as the crippled Rigoletto. Alesi, as Gilda, was no less impressive. Her "Caro Nome" was perfection, with bell-like high notes and butter smooth runs." -PROVIDENCE JOURNAL - Channing Gray - Feb. 2004
Lirico's RIGOLETTO Steals Hearts!
"RIGOLETTO proved to be yet another in the company's string of successes in what's becoming an eagerly anticipated annual Boston residency. Lucky Boston! The Lirico's secret? Its artistic director, Giorgio Lalov, trusts opera and the singers who put their throats and hearts on the line for us and their art every night. Not for one minute did Lalov's staging follow the modern approach seen far too often at Boston Lyric Opera, by trying to improve on the beautiful original, which speaks so eloquently for itself. Here there were no gimmicks, no tricks, just Verdi's tale from the composer through the singers to us. Heaven." -BOSTON HERALD - T. J. Medrek - Mar. 2004
Visit their website for an in-depth history of Teatro Lirico D’Europa including hundreds of U.S. reviews, video clips, and large photo gallery - www.jennykellyproductions.com
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Ticket Information:
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