Opening Night at Portland Opera Earns a Standing Ovation

Portland, OR. Audience members leapt to their feet for a standing ovation on opening night at Portland Opera‘s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. The dramatic favorite drew thousands to see the complicated tale of a court jester, his innocent daughter and the philandering Duke who seduces her. Trish Tulley, Wendy Baker, Liz Wackerle, and Connie Gougler were among the many VIPs who stopped for a photo on the red carpet before Rigoletto.

Barry Banks as the Duke and Katrina Galka as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. Photo by Cory Weaver.

Stephen Powell in the title role of Portland Opera’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Photo by Cory Weaver.

This short video has a taste of the music with Katrina Galka as Gilda.

Here’s a look at some the red carpet moments:

Christopher Smith and JaNae Hagel attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Trace Downen.

Ivy Zhou attends the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Trace Downen.

Barbara and Dr. George Dechet attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by

Mark and Julia Barnes attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.

Judy and Dr. Louis McCraw attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.

Taylor Theis and her grandmother attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.

Ian Plosker and Sara Bergqvist attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrett Downen.

Ruth Poindexter at the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrett Downen.

Remy Drabkin and Laura Pedroni attend the opening night of Portland Opera’s Rigoletto. Photo by Garrick Antikajian.

Next up for Portland Opera are the following:

FAUST/Gounod
June 8, 10, 14 , 16, 2018 | Keller Auditorium

“Lyricism and legend converge with the devil in this timeless and new vision of Gounod’s epic, infused with the visual art of John Frame. Rising international opera star Angel Blue makes her Portland Opera debut as Marguerite to Jonathan Boyd’s Faust.s

When the devil appears and offers Faust a second chance at youth in exchange for his soul, he makes the pact, and then uses his newfound powers to seduce the youthful and innocent Marguerite—with tragic consequences.

One of the most popular operas of the last two centuries, lyricism and legend converge in Gounod’s unforgettable masterpiece. This groundbreaking production is infused with the vision of sculptor and visual artist John Frame, who exhibited at the Portland Art Museum in 2012. After years in the making, Frame’s remarkable creative vision translates to the stage with powerful and deeply evocative sets and costumes, sculpture 3D projections, and more.

Faust is a co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago and Portland Opera.

LA CENERENTOLA/Rossini
July 13, 15, 19 , 21, 25, 28, 2018 | Newmark Theatre

Join us for a storybook tale about true love and generosity of spirit, directed by Christopher Mattaliano. This new production of Rossini’s classic opera will glitter as brightly as Cinderella’s royal ball gown.

ORFEO ED EURIDICE/Gluck
July 27, 29, 31 , Aug 2, 4, 2018 | Newmark Theatre

Revisit one of the oldest stories ever told in this mythological journey to the underworld. With thousands of role petals, a full chorus, and a ballet, we’ll witness the transformative power of love and music and Gluck’s celebrated opera.

More information on the Portland Opera website: www.portlandopera.org

About Portland Opera

Portland Opera exists to inspire, challenge, and uplift its audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality and is proud to be a part of the region’s thriving artistic and business community. We celebrate the beauty and breadth of the opera repertoire with four main stage performances each season. Our 2018 main stage opera season includes Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gounod’s Faust, Rossini’s La Cenerentola, and Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice. The company is also a committed educational partner, touring fully staged operas to schools and community centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington region each year, in addition to a host of other efforts designed to make opera accessible for all.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.