Rigoletto

September 14. 2024 - October 06. 2024

Upcoming Dates

September 14. 2024 - October 06. 2024

Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi

Join Lyric Opera of Chicago for Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, a powerfully dramatic work based on a play by Victor Hugo. The composer brings astounding intensity to the court jester Rigoletto, tragically obsessed with avenging his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. The score’s highlights are unforgettable, from Rigoletto’s hair-raising denunciation of the Duke of Mantua’s courtiers, “Cortigiani,” to the immoral, philandering Duke’s “La donna è mobile,” to Gilda’s ecstatic “Caro nome.” Conducted by Music Director Enrique Mazzola, a much-acclaimed Verdian, Lyric’s visually sumptuous production stars the sensational baritone Igor Golovatenko. He's joined by two other international luminaries making eagerly awaited company debuts: Mané Galoyan, the exquisite Armenian soprano, and Javier Camarena, the spectacular Mexican tenor.

  • Language: Sung in Italian with projected English titles
  • Running Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes, including 1 intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House

Lyric's presentation of Verdi's Rigoletto is generously made possible by Lisbeth StiffelMarlys A. Beider, and Randy L. & Melvin R.* Berlin.
*deceased

Maestro Enrique Mazzola is generously sponsored by Alice & John Butler, H. Gael Neeson, Sylvia Neil & Daniel Fischel, and the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation as members of the Enrique Circle.

Sunday, October 6, 4:30 PM

Artist Talkback

Artist Talkback

Join us for the final performance of Rigoletto on Sunday, October 6th for an Artist Talkback with the stars of this Verdi masterpiece. Whether you’re a lifelong opera aficionado or new to the genre, this talkback promises a fascinating exploration of Verdi’s dramatic vision and the innovative approaches taken in this production. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to ask questions, gain new perspectives, and enrich your appreciation of this iconic work.

Pre-opera talk

Speaker: Roderick K. Hawkins

Join us in the Ardis Krainik Theatre one hour before your opera performance begins for a free, 30-minute preview talk discussing that day’s production.

Seating is unreserved, but a ticket for that day’s performance is required. Talks begin one hour before each performance and doors open approximately 15 minutes before the start of the talks.

Pre-opera talks are supported by Raynette and Ned Boshell.

A recorded version of the Pre-opera talk is available below. 

© 2024/25 Lyric Opera Commentaries. All rights reserved.
The music featured is generously furnished by Warner Classics.

Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.

Artists

* Lyric debut
*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

Program book

Go inside this production of Rigoletto with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

Download program book

Header images: Scott Suchman/Wolf Trap Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu/Antoni Bofill, Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago