If Opera: Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi Rigoletto

Libretto by Francesca Maria Piave, based on Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse
First performed 11th March 1851 at La Fenice, Venice

Conductor Oliver Gooch
Director Nina Brazier
Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Luca Panetta
Bristol Ensemble

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Since its triumphant premiere in 1851, Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto has remained at the very heart of the operatic repertoire. The story revolves around Rigoletto, the court jester to the morally corrupt Duke of Mantua, who is tormented by the Duke’s lecherous behaviour and vows to protect his daughter, Gilda. However, the Duke has already set his sights on the innocent girl, and Rigoletto unknowingly facilitates the seduction, with devastating consequences.

Renowned for its powerful arias, including Gilda’s exquisite idealisation of her new lover in Caro nome, and the Duke’s carefree La donna è mobile reflecting on the fickle nature of women, we are offered two deeply contrasting perspectives on love and relationships.

As we follow Rigoletto’s internal struggle, we witness a tragedy which captures the complexities of love, betrayal and sacrifice, the corrupting influence of power, and the very nature of revenge.

4.30pm Gardens & restaurant open
7pm Performance starts
9.30pm Approximate end

Running time: two hours with half-hour interval

Tickets £30 to £120, available online at www.ifopera.com/rigoletto and from Bath Box Office on 01225 463362.