Il BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA
(The Barber of Seville)
By Gioachino Rossini
March 28, April 1, 3, 5, 2009
Libretto by Cesare Sterbini
It’s love versus lust in this fast paced comic masterpiece. Count Almaviva is desperately in love with the beautiful Rosina, but her aging guardian, Dr. Bartolo, keeps her under lock and key. The resourceful barber, Figaro, comes to the aid of Almaviva, and Rosina cooperates with the merry schemes to woo her, right under her jealous guardian’s nose.
Il Barbiere di Siviglia is a tour de force that established Rossini’s reputation, and still commands a spot in the repertoire as one of the most perfect comic Italian operas ever written. The opera is based on a novel by Beaumarchais that was considered scandalous and seditious in its time for its depiction of street-smart servants who outwit their alleged betters. Rossini’s operatic version is full of infectious tunes, one of the most famous overtures in the Italian repertoire, nine “greatest hits” in the first act alone (many of which were borrowed by Hollywood) and wonderful comedic situations, leading to a happy ending.
American baritone Mark Walters makes his Baltimore Opera Company debut and role debut as the Barber, Figaro. His powerful voice, comic abilities and physical agility make this a not-to-be-missed debut. Mezzo soprano Theodora Hanslowe, who has appeared with the BOC in such diverse roles as Hansel in the BOCs 2000 production of Hansel and Gretel and Sr. Helen in Dead Man Walking, returns as Rosina, the role she sang for her Metropolitan Opera debut. Lyric tenor Eric Margiore makes his Baltimore Opera Company debut at Count Almaviva. One of America’s finest baritones and Metropolitan Opera regular, Philip Cokorinos, is the besotted Dr. Bartolo. Bel canto specialist and BOC favorite Steven White will conduct.
| CAST | |
| Figaro | Mark Walters |
| Rosina | Theodora Hanslowe |
| Count Almaviva | Eric Margiore |
| Dr. Bartolo | Philip Cokorinos |
| Don Basilio | Kurt Link |
| Conductor | Steven White |
 Mark Walters |
 Theodora Hanslowe |
 Eric Margiore |
 Philip Cokorinos |
 Kurt Link |
 Steven White |