One of the most exciting operas from the mid 19th century, Rigoletto was initially embattled by the censors of the time, who had several issues with its content for both aesthetic and political reasons. Set in the brilliant world of the Duke of Mantua, an absolute ruler with very few morals, the action plumbs the depths of crime, but the libertine doesn’t get a retribution as the angelic girl Gilda pays for his misdeeds. Commissioned in 1850 by La Fenice, Rigoletto is the first of Verdi’s middle period operas, marking a shift towards coherent dramatic fabrics as opposed to the usual aria plus cabaletta format. Verdi wrote the bulk of the score in just forty days; the premiere was a huge success and Rigoletto has never been far from the operatic stage since.
The conductor is Daniele Callegari, the director is Damiano Michieletto, the choir master is Claudio Marino Moretti. Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro La Fenice.
Website: www.teatrolafenice.it
Location: La Fenice Opera House
Schedule: Sep. 29 – Oct. 10, 2021