Collectio Musicorum (“Collection of Music”) is set to present highlights from Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and explore the many sounds behind the masterpiece.

The opera, which was composed in 1850 was based on Victor Hugo’s “Le Roi S’Amuse” and the title character in Rigoletto was based on a real jester, Nicolas Ferrial, called Triboulet who lived from 1479 to 1536.

In this concert, the group wants to explore Verdi’s influences from the period and as a result, the concert will also include music by Tromboncino, Landini, Monteverdi, Attaingnant, Sermisy, Gonzaga, Jannequin, Rossi, and others who are less well-known, including the single surviving piece by the mysterious French composer Abel.

The concert under the direction of Jeff S. Dailey will be held on May 17 at 8 p.m. at Christ and St. Stephen’s Church.