Rigoletto

by Giuseppe Verdi

“Four musicians achieve what usually takes a whole orchestra… this is a whole new experience, to live great voices and strong emotions so closely!”

WELTEXPRESS

Rigoletto

Opera in three acts
music by Giuseppe Verdi
libretto Francesco Maria Piave

Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi; its libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave. It had a triumphant premiere at the La Fenice Theatre in Venice, on March 11th 1851.
Rigoletto is an intense drama about passion, treachery, filial love and vengeance. The tragedy of Rigoletto revolves around the ‘curse’, which causes the inexorable and tragic fall of the main character: ‘The whole subject is in that curse, which will also prove to be moral’ (G. Verdi).
The first act of the opera begins in the Tiepolo Hall, where Anthony Knight’s wonderful costumes, inspired by the 18th century style, blend perfectly into the magnificent Baroque Palace furnishings.
Rigoletto travels and unfolds throughout the halls of the Palace where the choice to use candlelight creates a Caravaggio-style backlighting which enhances the dramatic power of the Opera.

WHEN
Every Friday

DURATION
Approximately 2 hours, including the interval. The Palace opens to the public at 8 pm, the performance starts at 8.30 pm.

INTERVAL
During the interval, in the halls overlooking the Grand Canal, our guests will be free to taste top quality wines and soft drinks.

PERFORMANCE LANGUAGE
Italian, no subtitles

BOOK NOW

“This Opera of love and loss is totally stunning, fully engaging and sometimes raises the hairs on the back of your neck.”

THE ARGUS

“Hang onto your prosecco and brace for impact: in historic salons, the soprano’s high notes imperil glassware, and thundering baritones reverberate through inlaid floors.”

LONELY PLANET

“The quality of the music, the splendour of the setting, the power and passion of the singing!”

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

“Wonderful stuccoes tinted by time and frescoes are the perfect frame for a dive into the past, on the notes of romantic and ravishing music.”

IL GAZZETTINO

“This Opera of love and loss is totally stunning, fully engaging and sometimes raises the hairs on the back of your neck”

THE ARGUS

“Hang onto your prosecco and brace for impact: in historic salons, the soprano’s high notes imperil glassware, and thundering baritones reverberate through inlaid floors.”

LONELY PLANET

“The quality of the music, the splendour of the setting, the power and passion of the singing!”

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

“Wonderful stuccoes tinted by time and frescoes are the perfect frame for a dive into the past, on the notes of romantic and ravishing music.”

IL GAZZETTINO

Aidan Leach

08:56 21 Oct 18

Simply amazing. We saw the Barber of Seville, and you become part of the opera in its intimate setting. The singing and music was excellent, the old palace rooms that each scene were set in were lovely. Be warned if you sit in the front row, you actually will be involved. Figaro combed my hair, the Count left me with his wine bottle and used me to fend off the attack from the Doctor, and then made stink eyes at me in an overstated comical way for the rest of the night. I have never laughed so hard at the opera!

Ed Zito

08:49 30 Aug 18

Outstanding performance and experience!Usually not a fan of opera but this is different. Up close and personal with great view and seating. You feel like part of the show.A must do!

Kasey Kilgore

03:19 23 Oct 18

An absolutely fantastic experience! An intimate Opera as might have been seen/heard a century ago in the private salon of a Venetian noble.

Frank Levy

20:27 03 Aug 18

Up to the first intermission was good. Then after the second intermission the chairs became way too uncomfortable and it was way too hot. Had to leave as we were very, very uncomfortable. The first section is also the most familiar to non-expert opera attendees. If it was 1/3 the length it would have been perfect. Or better chairs or air conditioning. It was nice and cool at the start but quickly warms up.

Darrell Thomas

11:42 08 Jul 18

This was the highlight of our trip to Venice. Such a great experience. The performers were very talented, and simply approaching the entrance to the building had a feeling of exclusivity that you may not get at other shows. It's a bit pricey if you don't think you'll be returning to Venice to use your membership for future shows, but it's still worth every penny.