“George Gagnidze and Zeljko Lucic will share the title role of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Met this fall, replacing Simon Keenlyside, who is taking a necessary period of vocal rest for much of the year and temporarily removing the role of Rigoletto from his repertoire. Gagnidze will sing the first seven performances of the opera, while Lucic—already scheduled to sing the December performances of the run—will also sing Rigoletto on November 13, 16, and 19.” So says the Met’s press office.  

What’s more, this year the Met will not simulcast opening night in Lincoln Center Plaza for the first time in human memory. The festivities will still be viewable in Times Square, or, for that matter from inside the house, since the company will offer discounted rush tickets ($25 in orchestra) for the gala.