Richmond At The Opera

21/10/2009

Verdi's Rigoletto at The Coliseum in Covent Garden

A group of ten students and two faculty members enjoyed a visit to Verdi's Rigoletto at The Coliseum in Covent Garden. We were very fortunate to get hold of tickets for this fabulous Jonathan Miller staging and, since its first performance in 1982, English National Opera have regularly included this Rigoletto in their repertoire due to constant demand.

A melodic but tragic opera, this Rigoletto included some fine singing (especially from Michael Fabiano as the Duke of Mantua) and dramatic full-stage sets.

The Opera Visits are open to all Richmond students and operas are selected in order to introduce first-timers to the joys of this "total" art form.

Here are some of the comments from last Thursday's group:

"It was so sad and depressing, but absolutely amazing at the same time! I loved it! Wow!", Sarah Smith

"Fantastic experience in a magic place!", Mendu Maite Jeanne

The English National Opera is a beautiful canvas set for a tragically amazing opera of Rigoletto. I was thoroughly surprised by the interpretation or rendition of the time period of Rigoletto. I think making the Opera take place in Little Italy, New York City and having the Duke be a mob boss for the Mafia made it more enjoyable. Nothing says Opera when guys in suits and black sunglasses are singing it! I loved it and the seats were perfect - thanks res life!