Un ballo in maschera

We are presented here with Giuseppe Verdi’s exploration of political intrigue and private longing, framed by the constant threat of assassination. You will hear a score that moves quickly between the shadowy music of conspirators and the expansive, lyrical outbursts of the central characters. The music reflects the tension between a leader's public duties and his personal desires, building toward the final confrontation at a masked ball. In this production, director and designer Philipp Stölzl introduces a surrealist visual style that complements the shifting moods of the drama. You should listen for how Verdi uses light, dance-like rhythms to underscore moments of high stakes, creating a sharp contrast between the social surface of the court and the violence beneath. The evening moves through atmospheric nocturnal settings and grand public displays, balancing intimate emotional exchanges with the composer’s characteristic rhythmic drive and choral scale.

The Royal Ballet and Opera performs this work at its home in London. This ensemble is recognized for maintaining a large-scale repertory that spans the breadth of operatic history, with a particular focus on the major nineteenth-century Italian works. Based at the Royal Opera House, the company brings together a dedicated chorus and orchestra known for their interpretations of Verdi’s dramatic pacing. Their productions often feature international collaborators, drawing on a tradition of craftsmanship that supports both traditional and visually inventive stagings of the core canon.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London. As an opera by Verdi, the work is sung in Italian, and you will find surtitles provided above the stage to follow the narrative in English. While the specific running time for this performance is not confirmed, this production’s surreal aesthetic offers a distinct visual entry point for those new to the genre. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many visitors choose smart-casual attire. We recommend arriving early to find your seat in the historic auditorium.