Giuseppi Verdi's 1859 opera +Un ballo in maschera weaves the thematic threads of political conspiracy, loyalty and passion around a narrative set in 19th Century Boston. Therein lies a tale: though the work's original narrative dealt with the assassination of King Gustav of Sweden, government officials asked Verdi to transpose the setting to Massachusetts for political reasons. As mounted by the Teatro Real Madrid in 2008, this particular version stars Marcelo Álvarez as Riccardo, Violeta Urmana as Amelia, and Marco Vratogna as Renato. The Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus - which serves as the resident orchestra and chorus of the Teatro Real - here provide musical accompaniment, with Jesús Lopez Cobos serving as musical director, and Mario Martone directing for the stage. Sergio Tramonti designed the sets on display here, Bruno Schwengl designed the costumes and Duncan Macfarland choreographed.