31 Mar 2019

VERDI: Rigoletto

From Opera on Sunday

A dramatic journey of undeniable force, Rigoletto was immensely popular from its premiere and remains fresh and powerful to this day.

A scene from Rigoletto at The Met

A scene from Rigoletto at The Met Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera

Metropolitan Opera Season:

Verdi: Rigoletto

Cast:

Nadine Sierra (Gilda), Ramona Zaharia (Maddalena), Vittorio Grigolo (Duke of Mantua), Roberto Frontali (Rigoletto), Štefan Kocán (Sparafucile), Metropolitan Opera Chorus & Orchestra/Nicola Luisotti

Nadine Sierra (Gilda) and Vittorio Grigolo (Duke of Mantua)

Nadine Sierra (Gilda) and Vittorio Grigolo (Duke of Mantua) Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera

The story, based on a controversial play by Victor Hugo, tells of an outsider—a hunchbacked jester—who struggles to balance the dueling elements of beauty and evil that exist in his life. Written during the most fertile period of Verdi’s artistic life, the opera resonates with a universality that is frequently called Shakespearean.

Roberto Frontali (Rigoletto)

Roberto Frontali (Rigoletto) Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera

Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi Photo: Public Domain

In a remarkable career spanning six decades in the theatre, Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) composed 28 operas, at least half of which are at the core of today’s repertoire.

His role in Italy’s cultural and political development has made him an icon in his native country.

Francesco Maria Piave (1810–1876), Verdi’s librettist for Rigoletto, collaborated with him on ten works, including Ernani, La Traviata, La Forza del Destino, and the original versions of Macbeth and Simon Boccanegra.

Synopsis of Rigoletto

Get the RNZ app

for easy access to all your favourite programmes