Details

Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester wants revenge. His beloved daughter, Gilda, has been abducted and seduced by the Duke and he hires a hit-man to assassinate him. Tragedy prevails in Verdi's masterpiece of love, lust and betrayal. Based on Hugo's Le roi s'amuse. First performed at La Fenice in Venice on 11 March 1851 Sung in Italian with English surtitles, Running time 3 hours 15 minutes. Sponsored (2001) by The Jean Sainsubury Royal Opera House Fund, the Benefactors' Circle and The Friends of Covent Garden. Sept 19 at 19:30 - Free Opera in Covent Garden Piazza.

Cast/Performers

Paolo Gavanelli (Rigoletto), Marcelo Alvarez (Duke of Mantua), Christine Schafer (Gilda), Eric Halfvarson (Sparafucile), Graciela Araya (mezzo-soprano), Elizabeth Sikora (Giovanna), Giovan Battista Parodi (Monterone), Quentin Hayes, Peter Auty, Graeme Broadbent

Creatives/Company

Music: Verdi
Lyrics: Francesco Maria Piave
Book by: Victor Hugo
Company: Royal Opera
Director: David McVicar
Design: Michael Vale
Costume: Tanya McCallin
Lighting: Paule Constable
Choreographer: Leah Hausman
Conductor: Edward Downes