Chorus members of the Vancouver Island Opera (VIO) rehearse a scene from their upcoming production of Rigoletto. “It’s scary memorizing the Italian, but they’re doing a fantastic job,” said Carolyn Hateley, the chorus director who’s worked with the VIO since its inception 14 years ago. The local chorus will support emerging opera singers from the mainland who are coming to sing the opera’s principal roles. The production will also be accompanied by a full professional orchestra. Audiences have two chances to see Rigoletto: 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 19. Both performances are at the Civic Centre in Qualicum Beach. For those who don’t speak Italian, an English translation of the opera will be projected near the stage. Tickets are $32 in advance and $35 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Cranky Dog Music in Parksville, Chocolate Plus in Qualicum Beach and Tom Lee Music in Nanaimo.
