Sneak a peek at the "Rigoletto" sitzprobe

You are probably asking yourself what a sitzprobe is?  A sitzprobe, or seat-rehearsal, is traditionally the first rehearsal with orchestra.  By this time, the singers have learned their staging, and have been singing through their roles with piano accompaniment in rehearsals.  A sitz, as it’s commonly referred to, is strictly a music rehearsal, where the singers sit on stage instead of walking through their staging.  The objective of this rehearsal is to work out any and all musical kinks before the orchestra dress rehearsals begin. Singers are always hungry to sing with an orchestra, so the sitz is usually an exciting step to be a part of in the rehearsal process.  Here is a sneak-peak into the March 15th sitzprobe rehearsal of Rigoletto, from Act I Scene 1.