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Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and vengeance, will take stage at the prestigious Teatro La Fenice in Venice in February 2025. Rigoletto is one of Verdi’s most beloved operas, known for its intense drama and unforgettable music, including the famous aria “La donna è mobile.”
Rigoletto is one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most significant operatic works, renowned for its bold exploration of complex human emotions and social issues. The opera premiered on March 11, 1851, at La Fenice in Venice, and it quickly established Verdi as a leading figure in the world of opera. The libretto, written by Francesco Maria Piave, is based on Victor Hugo’s play “Le roi s’amuse”, which was initially banned in France due to its controversial content. Verdi and Piave faced similar challenges with censorship in Italy, as the original play’s critique of monarchy and nobility was deemed too provocative. To appease the censors, the setting of the opera was changed from France to the court of the Duke of Mantua, but the core themes of corruption, abuse of power, and personal tragedy remained intact.
This production is more than just a performance; it is an opportunity to experience Verdi’s genius in a venue that has played a pivotal role in the history of opera. Attending Rigoletto at La Fenice is an invitation to immerse yourself in the dramatic and cultural richness of Venice, where the timeless power of music meets the enduring beauty of one of the world’s most captivating cities.
Teatro La Fenice
Story of Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
The character of Rigoletto, a court jester who is both victim and perpetrator of the opera’s tragic events, is one of Verdi’s most complex creations. His intense, conflicted emotions are brilliantly expressed through Verdi’s music, which ranges from tender, lyrical passages to explosive outbursts of fury. The role of the Duke of Mantua, with his famous aria “La donna è mobile,” is a portrait of carefree, amoral aristocracy, while Gilda, Rigoletto’s daughter, embodies innocence and purity, making her ultimate fate all the more tragic. The opera’s dramatic structure, with its tightly woven plot and continuous musical flow, was innovative for its time and set a new standard for Italian opera.
Plot
Set in the decadent court of the Duke of Mantua, the opera tells the tragic story of Rigoletto, a hunchbacked court jester, whose attempts to protect his innocent daughter, Gilda, from the corrupt world around them ultimately lead to devastating consequences. With its complex characters, powerful emotions, and Verdi’s masterful score, Rigoletto continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Cast and Creative Team of Rigoletto
This production, conducted by the acclaimed Daniele Callegari and directed by Damiano Michieletto, promises to be a highlight of the season. The La Fenice Orchestra & Choir, under the guidance of chorus master Alfonso Caiani, will bring Verdi’s lush and powerful score to life, while the sets by Paolo Fantin and costumes by Agostino Cavalca will create a visually stunning backdrop that heightens the opera’s dramatic tension.
The cast for this production is equally impressive, with Luca Salsi and Dalibor Jenis alternating in the title role of Rigoletto, bringing both vocal power and deep emotional insight to this tragic character. Ivan Ayon Rivas and Davide Giusti will share the role of the Duke of Mantua, capturing the character’s charm and ruthlessness, while Maria Grazia Schiavo and Lucrezia Drei will portray Gilda, delivering heart-wrenching performances of one of Verdi’s most poignant soprano roles.
The Artists
Teatro la Fenice Production
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Teatro la Fenice Production
Teatro la Fenice Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor • Daniele Callegari
Staging • Damiano Michieletto
Director Assistant • Eleonora Gravagnola
Sets • Paolo Fantin
Costumes • Agostino Cavalca
Lights • Alessandro Carletti
Chorus Master • Alfonso Caian
CAST
Rigoletto • Luca Salsi (7,11,16,25,28) and Dalibor Jenis (9,14,19,23)
Il duca di Mantova • Ivan Ayon Rivas (7,11,16,25,28) and Davide Giusti (9,14,19,23)
Gilda • Maria Grazia Schiavo (7,11,16,25,28) and Lucrezia Drei (9,14,19,23)
Sparafucile • Mattia Denti
Maddalena • Marina Comparato
Giovanna • Carlotta Vichi
Il conte di Monterone • Gianfranco Montresor
Marullo • Armando Gabba
Matteo Borsa• Roberto Covatta
Il conte di Ceprano • Matteo Ferrara
La contessa di Ceprano • Rosanna Lo Greco
Booking Process
Music trip to Venice for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Rigoletto”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro la Fenice on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. 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 some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
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Performance Dates Rigoletto
2025-02-07 ... 2025-02-28
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Events
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season
At the Teatro La Fenice, Venice
