State Opera’s season of Verdi’s Rigoletto got off to a flying start on Saturday, proving there’s little in the way of live theatre that can compete with opera at its best – great music, a great production and great performances.

It's hard to believe Elijah Moshinsky's production, inspired by Fellini's La dolce vita, had its Australian Opera premiere in 1992. It looks as fresh as ever, and is tautly revived here by Richard Jones.

The enthusiastic audience witnessed the coming of age of tenor Aldo di Toro, who sang a thrilling Duke of Mantua. His La donna è mobile positively rang, with crystal clear high notes.

South Australian baritone Michael Lewis made a very welcome return home, reprising the title role with his characteristically compelling singing and acting.

Rachelle Durkin, making her State Opera debut in the role of Gilda, appeared slightly wooden, and her solo singing was not quite as effortless as I'd previously heard it.

Nevertheless, hers was a molto simpatica performance.

The other roles were all excellently done, with David Hibbard's Sparafucile and Elizabeth Campbell's Maddalena deserving special mention.

Superb playing coming from the ASO in the pit, as ever (although I'm not sure what the percussionist was using for cymbals).

Tom Woods conducted a well-paced reading, although there were some ensemble problems between the chorus and orchestra.

But these are very minor quibbles. I recommend this excellently performed staging of one of Verdi's many masterpieces without reservation.

Rigoletto, State Opera of South Australia, Festival Theatre, 7.30pm November 11, 13 & 15.