Verdi, Meet Beresford

As an opera docent and co-chair of adult lectures at Opera Pacific, I was more than a little interested in reading Elaine Dutka’s article on the L.A. Opera production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” (“Verdi, Meet Armani,” Feb. 27).

She quotes director Bruce Beresford as saying, “ ‘Rigoletto’ is often done as a happy-go-lucky story with a sad ending. In fact, the whole opera is a moody piece, despite the buoyant music.” What??? Even the sixth-grade students I introduced to Opera Pacific’s production would have enough insight to counter this absurd remark. He can’t be serious--if he is, he certainly hasn’t been paying attention.

I guess Beresford would characterize Verdi’s “Otello” as a lighthearted look at relationship dynamics.

ANGELA ROCCO DeCARLO

Orange