MfS and HHOT Listening Club: Verdi's Rigoletto

Music from Salem Listening Club
in partnership with Hubbard Hall Opera Theater
Sunday, July 26 at 11am
Cost: $10 at the door
Freight Depot Theater

PLAYBOY SEDUCES ABDUCTEE FROM CONVENT...Father Vows Vengeance, "She's All I have in the World!"

CALLGIRL PLEADS FOR WEALTHY PATRON'S LIFE...Declares, "He's really a wonderful guy!  We're deeply in love!"

HIRED ASSASSIN MISSES TARGET, KILLS INNOCENT...Callously shrugs, "Who knew?"

DEAD MAN'S CURSE COMES FULL CIRCLE...Mistaken identity caper goes horribly wrong in sordid revenge scheme!

Lurid as any tabloid today, the plot of RIGOLETTO (1851) was one of Giuseppe Verdi's favorites.  Adapted from Victor Hugo's 1832 drama "Le roi s'amuse" by librettist, Francesco Maria Piave, it held just the right mixture of violence, tenderness and despair to be an instant success.

Of course, it is Verdi's unerring ability to knit powerful, expressive music to character and dramatic action that saves Hugo's story from its own sensationalism.  Through his iconic score Verdi turns the tale into a lasting work of pathos and tragic depth.

In this Listening Club we are again joined by artists from the Hubbard Hall Opera Theatre who will lead us in exploring this glorious work.

No musical experience necessary, just a willing ear!

As a special treat, guest artists from Hubbard Hall Opera Theater will delight us with their fabulous singing, in anticipation of their production of the opera at Hubbard Hall in August. Open to all, no musical background necessary, just come and enjoy. $10 workshop fee payable at the door.