Musica a Palazzo: Rigoletto

About the Event

Immerse yourself in Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto and add another unforgettable experience to your stay in Venice. In the impressive atmosphere of the Palazzo Barbarigo‐Minotto, the dramatic power of the opera, interpreted by great singers and musicians, unfolds in candlelight. The Opera is a travelling show and each act is set in a different salon of one of the most fascinating Venetian palaces. The Singers and instrumentalists are performing as they move together with the audience through the halls of the Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto.

Palazzo Barbarigo‐Minotto was built around the fifteenth century as a noble palace overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice. Embellished with beautiful works by famous artists of the eighteenth century, perfectly preserved works by Francesco Fontebasso, Giambattista Tiepolo, Girolamo Mingozzi and the stucco artist Tencalla can still be viewed by admirers and connoisseurs. Originally two separate palaces, the building is now composed of three staterooms facing the Grand Canal and another three facing the Rio Zaguri. The interior includes a 17th century chapel with a Louis XIV‐style floor made of elm wood, with inlays of olive root marquetry. Doors in the same style are banded with walnut and have bronze handles in a vine leaf shape, and floors in the staterooms combine terrazzo and Ventian pastellone techniques.
This noble Venetian building hosts exciting opera performances during the year — Verdi's 'La Traviata' for example — often setting each scene in a different stateroom.

Rigoletto is an intense drama of passion, betrayal, filial love and revenge. The core theme of this tragedy is the curse that triggers off the unstoppable and tragic fall of Rigoletto: “The whole subject is in that curse, that becomes even moral” (G. Verdi).

The first act of the opera is set in Tiepolo’s Room, where Anthony Knight’s wonderful costumes, inspired by 18th century styles, perfectly espouse the sumptuous baroque furniture of the Palace.

Rigoletto’s story develops through the halls of the Palace where candle lights create the backlighting effects of a Caravaggio painting, exalting the drama of the Opera.

During the interval of the performance and surrounded by the magical setting facing the Grand Canal, Musica a Palazzo offers you a glass of Prosecco, soft drinks, and fine liqueurs.

Sung in Italian, no surtitles

Practical Information

Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including the interval.

Please note: Guests are not allowed inside the premises before the official opening time (8 pm).

Dress code: Casual elegant

Please note the Venue Information, Directions, and Map to this concert location.

Please note: Musica a Palazzo is an officially registered Cultural Association. Audience members purchase a Membership Card (price as indicated), including personal identification data. This card covers admission to the event. No further charges or tickets are required.

Please note that the shows are not suitable for children under the age of 5.