Verdi’s masterful Rigoletto is an opera in three acts that premiered in Venice on March 11, 1851. It was based on a controversial Victor Hugo piece known as “The King’s Fool” or “Le Roi s’amuse.”

The tremendous story of the jester Rigoletto, his beloved daughter Gilda, and the treacherous Duke of Mantua was nearly banned by censors upon its debut, but it went on to become one of Verdi’s most championed works. In particular, pieces like “Caro nome,” “La donna é mobile,” and “Bella figlia dell’ amore” propelled opera forward during Verdi’s lifetime and challenged and inspired the audience of yesterday and today. The legendary storm music in the final act carries all of Verdi’s tumultuous passion as he creates one of opera’s most evocative scenes.