Verdi’s self-confessed ‘best opera’ Rigoletto to play at the Opera House this winter
June 13 – 26, 2023 | Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Opera Australia will present one of the world’s most loved operas, Verdi’s Rigoletto, in the Joan Sutherland Theatre opening Tuesday 13 June.
Considered by Verdi himself as his best opera, Rigoletto remains an audience favourite with its catchy tunes, thrilling pace and dramatic characters, exploring themes that are just as relevant today as when it opened in 1851.
The gripping plot of love and revenge explores the concepts of wealth and power, questioning the complicity of a mob society in enabling corruption.
Verdi proclaimed he would never write better than this sensational score, including the simple, short ‘La donna è mobile’ which became an instant hit at the opera’s premiere and ‘Bella figlia dell’ amore’, considered to be among the finest opera ensemble writing. These widely recognised tunes have infiltrated pop culture from pasta advertisements to feature films.
Leading the lively action onstage, rising star Italian baritone Ernesto Petti will make both his Australian and role debuts as the vengeful Rigoletto. Beloved Australian soprano Stacey Alleaume will sing Gilda, which she has performed to high acclaim at Austria’s Bregenz Festival.
Sought after Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will reprise his role as the Duke of Mantua and the ruthless Sparafucile will be portrayed by one of the world’s most prominent basses, Roberto Scandiuzzi, who will also perform in Aida this winter.
Locals, bass David Parkin will make his role debut as Monterone while mezzo soprano Sian Sharp will be busy playing both Maddalena and Giovanna.
The principal cast will be completed by a stellar ensemble of Opera Australia singers, including Luke Gabbedy, Virgilio Marino, Anthony Mackey, Ruth Strutt, Jennifer Bonner and Nathan Lay, alongside the Opera Australia Chorus.
Renowned Italian maestro Renato Palumbo will lead the Opera Australia Orchestra, having expertly conducted the 2018 production wherein he “demonstrated his impeccable credentials as a Verdi interpreter” – The Australian.
Inspired by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, Elijah Moshinsky’s glamorous production presents traditional staging expected of grand opera complete with a revolving two-storey doll house set, lavish 1950s-inspired costumes, and a scene-stealing Fiat 500.
With Verdi’s sensational score, magnificent sets, and exciting performances, Rigoletto is one of Opera Australia’s most popular and enduring productions.
Creatives
Conductor -Renato Palumbo
Director -Elijah Moshinsky
Revival Director -Shane Placentino
Set & Costume Designer -Michael Yeargan
Lighting Designer -Robert Bryan
Assistant Director -Warwick Doddrell
Cast Rigoletto
Ernesto Petti -Duke of Mantua
Atalla Ayan Gilda -Stacey Alleaume Monterone
David Parkin -Sparafucile
Roberto Scandiuzzi -Maddalena
Sian Sharp -Marullo
Luke Gabbedy -Borsa
Virgilio Marino -Ceprano
Anthony Mackey- Giovanna
Sian Sharp -Countess Ceprano
Ruth Strutt -Page
Jennifer Bonner -Usher
Nathan Lay -Opera Australia
Chorus Opera Australia
Orchestra Performance information
Evenings at 7.30pm Jun 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 26
Matinee at 12pm Jun 24
Running time Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
This production contains strobe lighting effects.
Bookings Adult tickets from $81 (fees may apply) Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au/
Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House
