Seattle Opera’s own Philip A. Kelsey conducted one of opera’s most perfect scores, starring company regulars Gordon Hawkins and Harolyn Blackwell in a lovely production designed by University of Washington professor Robert Dahlstrom.

Gordon Hawkins in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Melanie Sonnenburg (Maddalena) and Martin Thompson (Duke of Mantua) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Gordon Hawkins (Rigoletto) and Harolyn Blackwell (Gilda) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Gordon Hawkins (Rigoletto) and Harolyn Blackwell (Gilda) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Harolyn Blackwell (Gilda) and Martin Thompson (Duke of Mantua) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Henry Runey (Monterone) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith

Harolyn Blackwell (Gilda) and Gordon Hawkins (Rigoletto) in Verdi’s Rigoletto, 1995 © Gary Smith