Wellington Opera presents Verdi’s A Masked Ball, Un Ballo in Maschera 6 – 10 August at the Opera House, Wellington

What truths will be revealed from behind the masks?

Three people forced to choose between their desires and their duty. Will fate be the ultimate decider for them all?

Wellington Opera’s A Masked Ball / Un Ballo in Maschera is portrayed with fresh perspective, taking inspiration from the Diana and Actaeon myth – a poetic interpretation that binds ancient archetypes with Romantic operatic drama, reframing our central character not just as a tragic lover, but as a hunted figure - a mortal who gazes upon the divine and pays the price.

Full of glittering dance music and powerful choruses, this is Verdi at his best.

Verdi's murder-mystery deals with love, power and betrayal, contrasting masquerade frivolity and melodrama. A Masked Ball is based on the true story of the assassination of the Swedish King Gustavo, a ruler plagued by his conscience.

Verdi was forced to work around censorship to stage this opera - Wellington Opera presents the original version.

An all-star cast consisting exclusively of Aotearoa’s top opera stars Madeleine Pierard, Jared Holt, Julien Van Mellaerts, Natasha Te Rupe Wilson, Kristin Darragh, Sam McKeever, Morgan Andrew- King, conducted by Brian Castles-Onion (Opera Australia), directed by Jacqueline Coats.

Wellington Opera presents the best of Aotearoa New Zealand artists in opera, at home.

Presented in association with The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles Opera House, Wellington This production contains depictions of violence and murder. It also contains loud noises.