LA Opera’s production of Rigoletto, starring powerhouse baritone Quinn Kelsey in the title role, promises to be a thoroughly gripping season ender! And I will kickoff the “Opera for Educators” seminar dedicated to this work with a look at Verdi’s approach to the Victor Hugo play (Le roi s’amuse or The King Amuses Himself) on which Rigoletto is based. More specifically I will talk about both Hugo’s and Verdi’s choice to highlight a marginalized and disabled character as morally complex—full of love for his daughter but vengeful animosity towards the courtly world where he plays the jester.

The “Opera for Educators” program—an initiative of LA Opera Connects—offers half-day seminars on Zoom, each of which explores one of the main-stage works of the current season. An array of scholars, educators, and artists come together to enrich participants’ appreciation and understanding of historic and contemporary opera.

LAUSD teachers are able to get professional-development credit, but all opera lovers are welcome to join the seminars!