Verdi's Stiffelio is one of the composer's least performed works, but in recent years audiences have come to appreciate its emotionally powerful music.

1. An interesting subject for an Italian opera - The librettist Francesco Maria Piave, suggested the subject to Giuseppe Verdi.  It is based on the French play Le pasteur, ou L'évangile et le foyer by Émile Souvestre and Eugène Bourgeois. Verdi responded to the subject enthusiastically. The subject was more realistic than the more melodramatic works he had worked on previously, but the religious subject, especially the story of a Protestant minister, was bound to cause problems with the censors. 
2. The censors scissors - Operatic subjects in Italy were under strict censorship and the authorities in Trieste, where the opera was first seen, insisted on many changes. As a result, Stiffelio could not be portrayed as a minister and the final scene could not take place in a church. Verdi and Piave agreed to the changes, but the power of the drama had been diluted. Concurrently, Verdi and Piave were working on Rigoletto which also had problems with censorship.
3. Verdi withdraws the opera - After many alterations, including some which removed some of his music, in 1857 Verdi revised the opera as Aroldo and withdrew the original score. The revision was not a success and both operas languished. It was not until 1968 that a reconstructed version was performed. In 1993 the original score was published and in its original form, the opera has had a number of successful productions.
4. A compelling opera  - The opera delves into themes of faith, forgiveness, and marital fidelity, offering some powerful moments. There are several significant musical highlights including a powerful first-act finale, Lina's Act II prayer, Stankar's Act III vengeance aria, and the moving conclusion to the opera.

While "Stiffelio" may not be as frequently performed as some of Verdi's other works, it offers a unique and rewarding experience for opera lovers, with its deep emotional themes and powerful music.

The plot of Stiffelio is somewhat complex and contains a discussion of marital infidelity, which may not be appropriate or understandable by younger operagoers.

You are encouraged to dress in whatever way you feel most comfortable. Some people like to make it special by dressing up. Others prefer to be more casual. Opening nights of each opera tend to be a bit more dressy (you will see more tuxes and long dresses) and matinees a bit more casual.  

One suggestion: it does tend to be cool in the theater (especially in the orchestra section) and so a sweater or wrap might be helpful.

There is limited on-street parking near the Sarasota Opera House. There are several parking garages in close proximity to the theater, including the Palm Avenue Garage (1289 N. Palm Ave.) which is directly behind the Sarasota Opera House.

Valet parking is also available for all evening and weekend matinee performances. Valet parking is complimentary for subscribers and donors. Otherwise the cost is $10.

For more information please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/parking.

The historic Sarasota Opera House is in downtown Sarasota at 61 N. Pineapple Street. 

For detailed directions, please visit https://www.sarasotaopera.org/directions.

There are concessions at the Opera House which sell a variety of beverages, snacks, and sandwiches.  The lobby and courtyard are open 1 hour and 15 minutes before a performance and we encourage you to come early to enjoy some refreshments. No food or drink are allowed inside the auditorium.