Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by the Italian genius Giuseppe Verdi, set to a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave based on the play Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo. Premiered in Venice in 1851, the work was Verdi’s first international triumph and ranks among the most frequently performed operas in the world. The protagonist of the tragic story is a hunch-backed court jester who encourages his master, the Duke of Mantua, to indulge in a licentious and lustful life until his own daughter, Gilda, falls victim to the Duke’s seduction. Rigoletto’s plot to have his master murdered backfires and results in Gilda’s death. Verdi imbued this work with enchanting melodies, strong dramatic situations, powerful characterization and intense emotions. This special production by Musica Viva of Hong Kong features a team of world-renowned opera stars who have sung with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, Chicago Lyric Opera, Royal Opera of London and some of the most prestigious companies world-wide, performing with excellent young artists of Hong Kong. The production is directed by Lo King-man and conducted by Lio Kuok-man. Synopsis ACT ONEScene 1: At the palace where a party is taking place, the Duke of Mantua, a libertine notorious for his dissolute way of life, tells a lackey about a girl he is planning to seduce. The court jester Rigoletto encourages the Duke’s corrupt existence in order to retain his master’s favour. The courtiers hate him for his malicious insults, and are waiting for a chance to wreak vengeance. In the meantime, Rigoletto taunts Count Ceprano, whose wife is being molested by the Duke. Old baron Monterone suddenly appears to interrupt the party, denouncing the Duke for dishonouring his daughter. The Duke allows Rigoletto to mock the old nobleman, who curses them both. The curse strikes terror in Rigoletto, for he too, unknown to the court, has a daughter. Scene 2: On the way home, Rigoletto is still deeply troubled by Monterone’s curse. He is accosted by a professional killer, Sparafucile, who offers his services. Having no immediate target, Rigoletto dismisses Sparafucile, and alone broods on his own misery. His daughter Gilda greets him as he arrives home, and they express deep mutual love and care. As soon as Rigoletto leaves, the Duke enters in disguise. His sweet words intoxicate Gilda who falls helplessly in love with him. Noises are heard, and the Duke departs after a passionate farewell. For their revenge on Rigoletto, the courtiers have come to abduct Gilda, believing that she is his mistress. They fool him into believing that the Countess Ceprano is their target. He realizes too late that his own daughter has been taken off. In auguish, he remembers Monterone’s curse. ACT TWOThe Duke, having gone back to Rigoletto’s house later that night and found it empty, is now in his palace feeling dejected. The courtiers tell him about Gilda’s abduction, and the Duke hurries off to enjoy his new prey. Rigoletto arrives, pretending indifference while searching desperately for his daughter. The courtiers take silent revenge for the injustices the jester has always done them. Their cruel mockery reduces him to abject pleading. Gilda rushes in to confess her disgrace. In a terrible rage, Rigoletto vows vengeance on the Duke. ACT THREEOutside the dilapidated inn kept by Sparafucile, Rigoletto has brought Gilda to witness the true character of the Duke whom she still loves. Sparafucile, hired by Rigoletto to murder the Duke, uses his sister Maddalena to lure the victim to the inn. Here, Gilda sees the libertine Duke’s shameless behaviour. Thinking that she is now convinced of the Duke’s worthlessness, Rigoletto sends her home to disguise herself as a man and prepare to leave the city. Gilda obeys only half of his instructions. She puts on the disguise but returns to hear Maddalena persuade her brother not to kill the Duke if anyone should come to be the unfortunate substitute. She decides to sacrifice herself for him. At the height of a storm, she goes into the inn. Rigoletto returns at midnight to collect his victim. As he gloats over the wrapped body, the Duke’s voice is heard. Horrified, Rigoletto tears open the sack to find his own daughter, dying. Monterone’s curse has been fulfilled.
(Performed in Italianwith Chinese and English Surtitles)Music Director: Lio Kuok-manProducer & Director: Lo King-manChamber Orchestra: Hong Kong VirtuosiChorus: The Opera Society of Hong KongChorusmaster: Raymond FuLighting: Peter LiCostumes: Mandy TamSets: Allan Tsui Rigoletto (Baritones)Michael Corvino (1)(3)Daniel Sutin (2)(4)Gilda (Sopranos)Sang Eun Lee (1)(3)(4)Colette Lam (2)Duke of Mantua (Tenors)Todd Wilander (1)(3)Jeffrey Hartman (2)(4)Sparafucile (Bass)Freddie TongMaddalena (Mezzo-soprano)Carol LinMonterone (Baritone)Sammy ChienTickets price: $ 600 450 300 150Further information at: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/program_301.html