Netrebko performs Gilda in Shanghai

Anna Netrebko performed the role of Gilda from Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto in a concert in Shanghai on 13 October, singing a duet with Artur Ruciński. This marked the start of a three-city tour in China, ending in Shenzhen.

Shanghai audience known for enthusiasm

The Shanghai audience is famous for its lively response to performances. During her previous visit three years ago, Netrebko famously sang barefoot among the audience during an encore dedicated to Tchaikovsky. This time, the concert featured Verdi’s works under the direction of Michelangelo Mazza.

Ruciński falls ill before second concert

Two days after the Shanghai concert, Artur Ruciński fell ill and had to withdraw just hours before the second performance. He was replaced by two Chinese baritones, Zhao Yiluan and Zhou Zhengzhong, who performed revised pieces including excerpts from Macbeth and the "Moon Song" from Rusalka by Dvořák.

Netrebko performs in Shenzhen

In Shenzhen, where Netrebko had never performed before, she sang with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, performing selections from Il Trovatore, Rigoletto, Anna Bolena, Tosca, and Eugène Onéguine. The concert was part of her three-city tour in China.

Upcoming performances and role plans

Netrebko will later perform Verdi’s Requiem at La Scala in Milan on 28 and 30 October, alongside other singers. She will also debut in Bonn as Abigaille in Nabucco and return as Mimì in La Bohème. However, she may have to wait until 2047 to perform Gilda again.