Rigoletto

Learning Resources for high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric’s 2024 production of Rigoletto. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater.

This slide deck contains: 

  • A list of characters

  • A summary of the story

  • Literary and artistic themes 

  • Listening examples

  • About the writers

  • Discussion prompts

Videos

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Mané Galoyan performs "Caro nome" from Verdi's Rigoletto

In her Lyric Opera of Chicago debut, soprano Mané Galoyan performs Gilda's heartfelt Act One aria, "Caro nome" from Verdi's Rigoletto. In this scene, she expresses her new-found love for the penniless student, Gualtier Maldé, unaware that he is the Duke of Mantua in disguise.

Javier Camarena sings "La donna è mobile" from Verdi's Rigoletto at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Tenor Javier Camarena makes his much-anticipated Lyric debut as the devious Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto. In this excerpt, the Duke muses about the so-called "fickle" nature of women as he unabashedly flits from one conquest to the next.

 

The Verdi best: Meet the cast of RIGOLETTO

A star-studded cast brings Verdi's Renaissance-era thriller to life at Lyric.

This visually sumptuous production stars the sensational baritone Igor Golovatenko as Rigoletto. He's joined by two other international luminaries making eagerly awaited company debuts: Mané Galoyan, the exquisite Armenian soprano as Gilda, and Javier Camarena, the spectacular Mexican tenor as the Duke of Mantua. Rounding out the cast is audience favorite Soloman Howard as the deadly swordsman Sparafucile.

Hear what Audiences are saying about Verdi's Rigoletto

Hear why audiences think Lyric Opera's production of Verdi's Rigoletto is a "must-see!" and see this Renaissance-era thriller now through October 6.

Unlocking the genius of Verdi's RIGOLETTO: Enrique Mazzola on its timeless success

Music Director Enrique Mazzola shares why Verdi's Rigoletto has stood the test of time and is the perfect way to open Lyric's 2024/25 Season.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Verdi's Rigoletto

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, a powerfully dramatic work based on a play by Victor Hugo.

 

Lighting designer Duane Schuler sets the scene in RIGOLETTO

With more than 240 Lyric productions under his belt, lighting designer Duane Schuler adds nuance and color to Verdi's Rigoletto this fall. Hear about his artistic inspirations and see the classic opera come to blazing life.

Enrique Mazzola on the characters of Verdi's RIGOLETTO

Rigoletto's complex characters — from the naive Gilda to the duplicitous Duke of Mantua — have captivated audiences for centuries. Hear Music Director Enrique Mazzola discuss the iconic roles, and see him on the podium when Verdi's dramatic opera opens Lyric's 2024/25 Season on September 14.

Articles

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Q&A with Soloman Howard

Soloman Howard makes his third appearance at Lyric in Rigoletto as Sparafucile, the shadowed assassin and villain. But behind the curtains and off stage, Howard is a charismatic and compassionate personality with an eye for fashion.
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by Mary Birnbaum

Director's note: Rigoletto

One of the most rewarding aspects of directing standard repertoire is the opportunity to re-examine characters who were crafted before the dawn of modern dramaturgy in order to try to give voice to their stories with sufficient complexity and agency.
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Igor Golovatenko returns!

Baritone Igor Golovatenko demonstrated extraordinary musical versatility early on, graduating first as a cellist from the Saratov Conservatory, then as a conductor from Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory before turning to vocal studies at the Moscow Academy of Choral Arts. He first wowed Chicago audiences in 2022, with his Lyric debut as Rodrigue in Don Carlos.
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Tenor Javier Camarena makes his Lyric debut in Rigoletto

The only person in history to sing an encore in three different productions at the Metropolitan Opera, Mexican tenor Javier Camarena will make his Lyric debut as the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's Rigoletto (Sept 14 - Oct 6, 2024). Originally from Xalapa, Veracruz in Mexico and now residing in Zurich, Switzerland, Camarena has achieved international acclaim for his burnished tone and commanding vocals.
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Rigolettos at Lyric

More than a dozen baritones have taken the demanding lead role here. Allow us to re-introduce five of the giants who graced the Lyric stage in the company’s first 40 years.
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Get to know: Verdi's Rigoletto

Lyric Opera of Chicago will open its 2024/25 Season with Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto, one of the most powerfully dramatic works in the repertoire. Learn more about the iconic opera and see it live with an all-star cast September 14 through October 6, 2024.
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