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Date & Time Te rā me te wā
19, 21 & 25 Sep @ 7:30 PM
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Location Te wāhi
Aotea Centre -
More info He pārongo atu anō
Visit website
Against La Dolce Vita styling of 1950s Italy, court jester Rigoletto delights in making enemies of husbands and fathers while his boss, Duke of Mantua, is a callous playboy. (Yet somehow, it’s the duke who has the nerve to sing ‘La donna e mobile’ – women are fickle!)
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, a smash hit since its debut, is brimming with crowd-pleasing melodies and lush orchestrations. ‘La donna e mobile’ is the hit but the composer preferred ‘Bella figlia dell’amore’, a sensuous depiction of the characters’ motives. “I never expect to do better,” Verdi said.
The jester finds it less funny when he’s cursed by a humiliated parent, and the duke meets Gilda, Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter.
Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that set new standards for Italian opera.
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira
The Aotea Centre is a short walk up Queen Street from Britomart station, and the Civic car park is conveniently located beside the venue if you’re driving.
Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Check out the sculpture of celebrated Kiwi opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa which sits on Level 3 of the Aotea Centre. It was created by local artist Terry Stringer and unveiled by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa herself when the auditorium was named in her honour in 2019.