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Heart-rending arias meet harsh realities in this captivating story. Feel the devastating beauty of Verdi’s music, with some of opera’s most famous tunes.

Full of melodies that are now the musical backdrop of modern life, Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the world’s best-loved operas. Jonathan Miller’s production is the godfather of the genre. Set in Little Italy in 1950’s New York, it is a terrific night out: a fast-paced gangster saga of jealousy, love and revenge.

A pianist with a wide and ever-expanding repertoire, always keen to champion unusual music that he believes in, Mark Bebbington has won a devoted following for both his recordings and his live appearances. Poulenc has been a particular recent passion.

Each ticket entitles you to one complimentary drink. Have your ticket scanned at any of Barbican’s bars on Level G or Level -1 for one single 175ml measure of house wine, 330ml bottle of standard beer, or standard soft drink, subject to our bars' stocks. Valid only on Wed 1 Jan 2025.

Verdi’s sharply relevant opera of love and war returns to the Royal Opera House.

Director Adele Thomas’ production interprets this rich story of desire and an all-consuming curse.

Opera North is thrilled to present its first-ever performances of Giuseppe Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra," a riveting opera set in 14th-century Genoa, filled with political intrigue and personal tragedy. This concert staging event will take place from April 24 to May 24, 2025, across various prestigious venues including St Georges Hall in Bradford, Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham, The Glasshouse in Gateshead, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hull City Hall, and the Southbank Centre. "Simon Boccanegra" tells the compelling story of a former pirate turned people's champion, Simon Boccanegra, and his decades-long feud with political rival and nobleman, Jacopo Fiesco. The twist in their tale comes from the deep family ties they share, with one being the father and the other the grandfather of Amelia, adding layers of love, loss, and reconciliation to the narrative. The opera, which premiered in 1857 and was later revised in 1881 by Verdi and librettist Arrigo Boito, is celebrated for its Shakespearean drama and contains Verdi’s passionate plea for peace and unity, especially in its famous Council Chamber scene. The cast includes Roland Wood as Simon Boccanegra, Brindley Sherratt as Jacopo Fiesco, Andrés Presno as Gabriele Adorno, and Mandla Mndebele as Paolo Albiani, under the baton of conductor Antony Hermus and direction by PJ Harris. This production follows Opera North's acclaimed concert stagings of other large-scale Italian classics, promising an unmissable event for opera enthusiasts. The opera will be sung in Italian with English subtitles, ensuring it is accessible to a wide audience. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Ticket prices start from £16, with digital and printed programs available for purchase in advance. Additionally, Opera North offers various discounts and membership options, including season ticket packages and under 30s memberships, to make this cultural experience accessible to everyone. For those eager to secure their seats early, booking dates vary by location, with priority booking available for Friends of Opera North. This is a unique opportunity to experience the dark-hued grandeur and excitement of Verdi's music live, in a production that promises to captivate with its intense emotion and dramatic storytelling.