April 7, 2009
For immediate release
All-time Popular Opera Hit Comedy Closes Calgary Opera season
Calgary, AB – Established as one of the most beloved operas of all time, Calgary Opera is
proud to present Gioachino Rossini’s – The Barber of Seville – with evening performances on
April 25, 29 and May 1 and a special hold-over matinee on May 3 at the Jubilee Auditorium.
Tickets available through Calgary Opera box office at (403) 262-7286 or online at
www.calgaryopera.com.
“The Barber of Seville is one of the most popular operas ever written. Its music is engaging from
the first chord in the overture until the final note has been sung at the end of the evening,” says
Stage Director Robert Herriot. “Filled with some of the most familiar tunes in opera, this work
is a comic masterpiece - the perfect opera for all ages and for those who think opera is only
about helmets with horns and the perfect way to usher in spring, with a light, bouyant and
rollicking good time.”
“Rossini really created something unique when he composed The Barber of Seville. It truly was
the pop-music of its day and the melodies within have stood the test of time,” says Conductor
Robert Tweten. “The music is full of sparkle and humour, which is a real delight to perform as
well as watch. It is amazing to think how popular it still is after nearly 200 years.”
With its instantly recognizable music, Rossini’s classic has become one of the most performed
operas in the world. Based on the first chapter of Beaumarchais’ comedy trilogy, The Barber of
Seville follows the antics of a factotum Figaro as he seeks to fatten his purse by assisting Count
Almaviva to court his ladylove, Rosina. Through a series of outrageous situations, Figaro
accomplishes his goal and foils the schemes of Dr. Bartolo, Rosina’s ward and keeper.
In the role of the creatively conniving Figaro is Baritone Aaron St. Clair Nicholson, who was
last with Calgary Opera for Romeo and Juliet (2003). Also starring alongside him is Tenor
Frédéric Antoun as Count Almaviva, Buffo Bass Peter Strummer as Dr. Bartolo, Mezzo-
Soprano Krisztina Szabó as Rosina, Bass-Baritone Phillip Cokorinos as Don Basilio,
Soprano Cheryl Hickman as Berta and Bass Gene Wu as Fiorello.
Calgary Opera acknowledges the support of Production Sponsor Talisman Energy, Chorus
Sponsor Petro-Canada and Media Sponsor The Calgary Herald.
The Barber of Seville is sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
Leading up to The Barber of Seville, Calgary Opera invites the public to a series of educational,
engaging and eclectic events as part of the community symposium.
Click here to download singer biographies as well as more on the community symposium.
For further information, please contact: Alex Bonyun, Calgary Opera
403-802-3403, or abonyun@calgaryopera.com.
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