Macerata Opera Festival - Sferisterio Macerata
Experience the timeless power of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto at the magnificent Teatro Sferisterio in Macerata. Scheduled for July 19 and 25, and August 3 and 8, 2025, at 9:00 PM, this production promises an unforgettable evening under the stars in one of Italy’s most iconic open-air theaters.
First performed in 1851, Rigoletto stands as a cornerstone of Italian opera, embodying the essence of Verdi’s genius. With its unforgettable arias, such as “La donna è mobile” and “Caro nome,” Verdi’s music blends emotional depth with a striking melodic simplicity, creating a profound impact on audiences.
The story, based on Victor Hugo’s play Le roi s’amuse, explores themes of power, betrayal, and tragedy. Rigoletto, the court jester, is caught in a web of intrigue and vengeance as he tries to protect his daughter Gilda from the predatory Duke of Mantua. The opera unfolds with heart-wrenching twists, culminating in a devastating finale that leaves audiences reflecting on its timeless moral complexities.
The Sferisterio’s grand open-air stage, set in the charming town of Macerata in the Marche region, offers the perfect backdrop for Verdi’s masterpiece. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer, this production of Rigoletto will captivate you with its beauty, drama, and musical brilliance.
The Story of Rigoletto
Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, a cornerstone of Italian opera, is a gripping tale of power, revenge, and tragic love. Set in Renaissance Mantua, the story revolves around Rigoletto, a hunchbacked court jester, who serves the lecherous Duke of Mantua. While the Duke seduces women without remorse, Rigoletto mocks their plight, earning the resentment of many courtiers.
The drama begins when Rigoletto unwittingly becomes entangled in a curse. Count Monterone, whose daughter the Duke has dishonored, curses Rigoletto for his cruel taunts. This curse becomes the driving force of the opera’s tragic events.
Rigoletto’s one source of joy is his daughter Gilda, whom he keeps hidden from the world to protect her innocence. However, Gilda falls victim to the Duke’s charms after he disguises himself as a poor student. Despite her father’s warnings, she falls deeply in love with him.
Determined to take revenge, Rigoletto hires an assassin, Sparafucile, to kill the Duke. However, Gilda, overhearing the plan and still in love, sacrifices herself to save the Duke. In the opera’s devastating conclusion, Rigoletto discovers his dying daughter and realizes the curse has come true.
With its unforgettable melodies like “La donna è mobile” and its deep emotional resonance, Rigoletto is a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Artists and Creative Team
Melodramma in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Conductor • Jordi Bernacer
Director • Federico Grazzini
Scenes • Andrea Belli
Costumes • Valeria Donata Bettella
Lights • Alessandro Verazzi
Filming by • Ludovico Gobbi
Cast
The Duke of Mantua • Ivan Magrì
Rigoletto • Ernesto Petti
Gilda • Ruth Iniesta
Sparafucile • Luca Park
Maddalena • Carlotta Vichi
Giovanna • Aleksandra Meteleva
Monterone • Alberto Comes
Marullo • Giacomo Medici
Matteo Borsa • Francesco Pittari
The Count of Ceprano • Tong Liu
The Countess of Ceprano • Aleksandra Meteleva
Page of the Duchess • Laura Esposito
FORM-Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana
Marche Lyric Choir “Vincenzo Bellini”
Choirmaster Christian Starinieri
Stage Ensemble Banda Salvadei
Production by the Arena Sferisterio Association for the Macerata Opera Festival 2015
The Package
Essential Package
The essential package includes the tickets in the selected category and 2 nights with breakfast in a hotel.
To help you to better understand the various options for the Macerata Opera Festival 2024 in the Marche Region we need your request for booking. We will respond quickly with a detailed description of our packages. The total price depends greatly on the chosen ticket category and the hotel. As soon as we have your request we will check the availability. The best tickets for this event will sell out quickly. So please plan early. Also, this is the peak season for the holiday region and the best hotels will be sold out quickly as well.
Supplements for this Macerata Opera Festival 2025
Once we know your needs we will provide you with a choice of options. We are the experts when it comes to individually organized private trips.
Additional Services We Can Combine with Your Italy Trip
- Transfer from the airport or train station to the hotel
- Guided city tour
- Transfer from the hotel to the venue and back
- Wine and product tastings
- Onward travel to other destinations in Italy
Booking Process
Music trip to Macerata for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Rigoletto” at the Macerata Opera Festival.
Make your booking request and we will answer you with an individual offer. Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. You can ask for longer stays to discover Italy.
Please note that we only sell tickets in combination with a hotel reservation. We are not a ticket office and therefore we cannot sell tickets only.
Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with tickets and selected hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
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Performance Dates of Rigoletto
2025-07-19 ... 2025-08-08
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Events
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2025
In Macerata on the open-air stage of the Arena Sferisterio
