
Giuseppe Verdi | Antonio Somma
UN BALLO IN MASCHERA
6 - 10 August 2025
Staged with a fresh perspective inspired by the myth of Artemis and Actaeon, this poetic interpretation binds ancient archetypes with Romantic operatic drama, as King Gustavo is transformed from the hunter to the hunted.​
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Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) is based on the true story of the assassination of the Swedish King Gustavo III, a ruler plagued by his conscience. Initially affected by censorship, Wellington Opera presents the original version. Full of glittering dance music and powerful choruses, this is Verdi at his best.
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Wellington Opera presents the best of Aotearoa New Zealand artists in opera, at home.
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CAST
Amelia – Madeleine Pierard
Gustavo – Jared Holt
Oscar – Natasha Te Rupe Wilson ^
Count Anckarström – Julien Van Mellaerts ^
Ulrica – Kristin Darragh ^
Giudice – Lila Crichton
Count Ribbing – Samuel McKeever
Count Horn – Morgan-Andrew King ^
Cristiano – Daniel O’Connor
Amelia’s Servant – Chris Anderson
Director – Jacqueline Coats
Conductor – Brian Castles-Onion
Set Design – Michael Zaragoza
Costume Design – Lee Williams
Chorus Director – Michael Vinten
Orchestra Wellington
Wellington Opera Chorus
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Sung in Italian with English surtitles
In three acts with two intervals, total run time approximately 3 hours
Opera House, Wellington
This production contains depictions of violence and murder. It also contains loud noises.
^ artist presented in association with The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation