The dramatic finale of the 2025-26 season, Verdi's Rigoletto is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance. This in-concert presentation features an all-star cast including Quinn Kelsey (Rigoletto), Raven McMillon (Gilda), Andrew Owens (Duke of Mantua), Peixin Chen (Sparafucile), J'Nai Bridges (Maddalena), Christian Pursell (Count Monterone), and The Washington Chorus.

Jonathon Heyward, conductor
Quinn Kelsey, Rigoletto
Raven McMillon, Gilda
Andrew Owens, Duke of Mantua
Peixin Chen, Sparafucile
J'Nai Bridges, Maddalena
Christian Pursell, Count Monterone
The Washington Chorus
  Dr. Eugene Rogers, artistic director
 

VERDI Rigoletto (Complete in Italian with English supertitles)

Experience the thrilling conclusion of the 2025-26 season with a concert performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, featuring artists famous for bringing their roles to life on international stages. This is the second production of Music Director Jonathon Heyward’s ambitious four-year Verdi Opera Initiative.

Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto is a tragic opera that tells the story of a court jester, Rigoletto, whose efforts to protect his innocent daughter, Gilda, from the predatory Duke of Mantua lead to heartbreak and unintended consequences. Deception and vengeance intertwine as Rigoletto's scheme to punish the Duke backfires, resulting in Gilda's tragic death.

• From the iconic "La donna è mobile" to the deeply moving "Caro nome," Rigoletto is packed with some of the most memorable melodies in all of opera, guaranteed to stay with you long after the final curtain.

• Betrayal, love, fate, and vengeance — Rigoletto explores timeless human themes, making it as relevant and captivating today as when it was first performed in 1851.

• Taking the role of RIgoletto is Quinn Kelsey, praised by Opera News for his "huge, warm Verdi baritone and searing dramatic power." Kelsey is joined by a superstar cast known for their dynamic performances across the world's major operatic stages.