Reviews
Joseph Calleja as the Duke of Mantova in Rigoletto at the Metropolitan Opera, January 2011. Photo: Metropolitan Opera.
Giuseppe Verdi: Rigoletto
Metropolitan Opera, New York
11, 15, 18, 22 & 27 January 2011
Cast:
| Gilda | Nino Machaidze |
| The Duke | Joseph Calleja |
| Rigoletto | Giovanni Meoni |
| Maddalena | Kirstin Chavez |
| Sparafucile | Stefan Kocan |
| Conductor | Paolo Arrivabeni |
| Orchestra | The Metropolitan Orchestra & Opera Chorus |
OPERA
Rigoletto, Verdi
Metropolitan Opera, New York, January 2011.
Classics Today
Robert Levine
"The "veteran" in the group is Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja as the Duke of Mantua. Still in his early 30s, he has made quite a name for himself since his impressive debut at the Met in this same role in 2006. And happy to report, Mr Calleja has gained in stature and confidence while maintaining his always appealing, easily recognizable tone, with its fast vibrato and easy top notes. His smooth legato was always in evidence, particularly in his duet with Gilda and in his second act aria, where he genuinely seems to be in love with her. And he tossed off "La donna e mobile" almost conversationally. I can't think of another tenor who sings this role better."
Gay City News
David Shengold
"The refined-sounding Duke of Joseph Calleja proved the salvation of the evening, even though he had some issues with forte high notes and was rather restrained as to dramatic interpretation. Still, this was really world-class vocalism."
