Opera Philadelphia returns to its longtime home for grand opera with Verdi’s unforgettable tragedy Rigoletto, one of the most popular works in the operatic canon. Featuring such well-known arias as Rigoletto’s passionate denouncement “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata,” Gilda’s dreamy “Caro nome,” and the Duke of Mantua’s instantly recognizable “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto is a tale of fate, revenge, and the abuse of power.
In a timely production from New Zealand Opera, director Lindy Hume offers no mercy for powerful men who hurt women. Set at a “presidential palace” on election night, Hume confronts the newsmakers of today with a production that refuses to romanticize or ignore the Duke’s brutal treatment of women.
The cast features baritone Anthony Clark Evans, lauded for his “stentorian Verdi style” by the Chicago Tribune, as the cursed court jester. Tenor Joshua Blue makes his company and role debuts as the philandering Duke, with soprano Raven McMillon in her company and role debuts as Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus.