Big Voice Energy and the Power of Community

OperaDelaware presents Verdi's Rigoletto on October 27 & 29 at The Grand. Our incredible artists have been rehearsing since late September, and they're preparing to present the opera this weekend with our coproducers at Opera Baltimore at Towson University. Before the cast, chorus, crew, and all the brilliant minds behind this production made their way down to Baltimore, we had a very important rehearsal with the full orchestra.

The Sitzprobe!

What's a Sitzprobe? A Sitzprobe is a chance for the cast and orchestra to perform the entire show, without costumes or set pieces. The purpose is to focus solely on the music and coordination between the maestro, orchestra, and singers. It is typically the final rehearsal before "Tech Week" where we rehearse in the theater every night.

The Powerhouse cast of verdi’s Rigoletto (performances at The Grand Oct 27 & 29)

We are profoundly lucky to have the OperaDelaware Orchestra and this tremendous cast to bring Rigoletto to life. The cast is full of gorgeous, booming voices that will take your breath away, but we quickly realized when we began rehearsing with the orchestra last week that the combined power of the singers and OperaDelaware Orchestra was too much for the OperaDelaware Studios! The Studios are typically where we host intimate recitals, cabarets, and events. But the combined power of this VERDI ORCHESTRA and these WORLD CLASS SINGERS could (figuratively) blow the roof off the place! It was brought to our attention that the sound was dangerously loud at some points in the recital hall, and we realized we needed to find a larger space for this important rehearsal.

Thanks to OperaDelaware General Director, Brendan Cooke, we were able to turn a challenge into an opportunity! Brendan connected with fellow Wilmington arts leader and friend, Matt Silva, Executive Director of Delaware Theatre Company. The Delaware Theatre Company has a beautiful space on the riverfront, just a short walk from the OperaDelaware Studios. Thanks to collaboration and quick thinking, OperaDelaware was able to hold the Sitzprobe ON STAGE at the Delaware Theatre Company, giving our singers and orchestra the space they needed to really shine.

On Sunday, October 15, the full orchestra, principal artists, and chorus of Rigoletto took the stage at Delaware Theatre Company for our sitzprobe. Voices and instruments came together under the baton of Maestro Subbaraman, and the results were incredible. We are more excited than ever before to share Rigoletto with our audience on October 27 & 29 at The Grand!

Delaware Theatre Company, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and OperaDelaware have a long history of collaboration. These are just a few of the arts organizations in our community that support one another and make a major impact. Whether it's providing rehearsal space, loaning instruments, or sharing insight to help all arts organizations move forward, the Delaware arts community is rooted in collaborative partnership.

We are immensely grateful to DTC for their friendship and support through what could have been a VERY difficult process. By listening to and valuing all of our artists, we can adapt so that everyone can win. The things we can accomplish in Delaware are exponentially greater because of the incredible relationships we've gotten to create with our community partners.

SUPPORT ALL THE ARTS IN DELAWARE! There is so much to see and explore in our community. Don't miss Delaware Theatre Company's next production, KINGS OF HARLEM, which opens on October 25 and plays through November 12.

The power of Verdi’s Rigoletto needs to be SEEN and HEARD to be believed!

Don’t miss your chance to see Verdi’s Rigoletto presented by OperaDelaware at The Grand on October 27 & 29. Get your tickets to the Opening Night Microgala and make it a night at the opera you’ll never forget!

The OperaDelaware Orchestra and cast of rigoletto rehearsing at Delaware Theatre Company.