In the middle of his career, Giuseppe Verdi with «created one of his most diverse scores». Embedded in effective ensemble scenes that oscillate between operetta-like, mysterious oracular magic and dark conspiracy drama, Verdi focuses on the private fate of a politician: Riccardo, the governor of Boston, is in love with Amelia, the wife of his best friend and advisor Renato. When the two are discovered during a passionate nocturnal encounter, Renato joins the conspirators and discovers Riccardo's disguise at the masked ball.

A Masked Ball

Zurich Opera House

Following eight sold out workshop performances at The Other Palace in 2024, new musical Redcliffe, written and performed by Jordan Luke Gage (‘Bonnie & Clyde’, ‘Heathers’, ‘&Juliet’) will run for a limited time, fully staged, at Southwark Playhouse Borough from May 2026.

Redcliffe

Southwark Playhouse Borough

«You will die! A friend will kill you.» – The scene with the fortune teller Ulrica, who prophesies that Count Riccardo will soon meet his end, is just one of many effective scenes in Verdi’s opera Un ballo in maschera. Riccardo doesn’t believe Ulrica, and laughs – but a short while later he is murdered by his best friend Renato during a masked ball. Comedy and horror are also closely linked musically in this score from Verdi’s middle creative phase. The story of an idle, politically weak ruler who is killed at a masked ball is based on the historical case of Gustav III of Sweden. However, Verdi was less interested in historical details than in the effective dramaturgy offered by the triangular constellation between Riccardo, his best friend Renato and his wife Amelia. The emotional drama that takes place in the middle act between Riccardo and his friend's wife is one of the most sensual love scenes Verdi ever wrote – and leads to the fiercest jealousy from Renato, who then joins a gang of conspirators. Verdi wanted to stage his new opera – originally with King Gustav as the title figure – in Naples, but the subject matter was targeted by censors. Showing a regicide on stage was simply impossible in the politically turbulent Italy of the 19th century. In the end, the opera was staged in Rome in 1859, in a historically altered setting. General Music Director Gianandrea Noseda and stage director Adele Thomas devote themselves to Verdi’s score of contrasts, which oscillates between masquerade frivolity and deeply felt melodrama. Tenor Charles Castronovo, who has already sung this role at the New York Met, is Riccardo. Italian soprano Erika Grimaldi makes her debut as Amelia.

EPSG:4326

Un ballo in Maschera

Opernhaus Zürich

Step into the raucous court of the Duke of Mantua where Rigoletto, the court jester, uses vicious wit to conceal his tormented heart. In a world teetering on the edge of debauchery and deceit, his only joy is his daughter, Gilda. When the charming but womanising Duke sets his sights on Gilda, his actions set in motion a tragic chain of events where a father’s love and treachery collide in a crescendo of passion and heartbreak.

Rigoletto Verdi

Venue Cymru

Bristol Hippodrome

Wales Millennium Centre

New Theatre Oxford

Theatre Royal Plymouth

Mayflower Theatre

Zurich Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s stunning opera, A Masked Ball, filled with desire, treachery and political peril.

Verdi’s A Masked Ball

Festival Theatre Edinburgh

Welsh National Opera’s Family Concert is back with a vibrant and welcoming introduction to live orchestral music.

Emma Woods

Events

Upcoming events

26 - 30 Aug, 2026

Verdi’s A Masked Ball · Edinburgh International Festival

Sep 30 - Nov 27, 2026

Family Concert · Welsh National Opera

Past events

May 22 - Jun 13, 2026

A Masked Ball · Opernhaus Zürich

May 22 - Jul 4, 2026

Redcliffe · Southwark Playhouse

About

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