The Barber of Seville

Pairing Olympic-level singing with comedic brilliance, this classic farce has all the ingredients for laughs: a hopeless romantic with no game, a whip-smart young woman outwitting a crusty patriarch, and a bold baritone who belts the world’s most famous intro song—"Figaro?" Anyone?

Onstage APR 18–24, 2026
Music by Gioachino Rossini
Words by Cesare Sterbini
Runtime: 3h, including one 25m intermission
Sung in Italian with projected English captions
Opera Talk is offered 1h prior to curtain
Featuring the Calgary Opera Chorus and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

HOUSE PROGRAM: THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

INSIDER'S GUIDE

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE IN CONTEXT

DIVE DEEPER

Despite its light-hearted style and comic flair, The Barber of Seville affirms an important ideal: love emerges where truth prevails.
Composers like Rossini tested the limits of the operatic voice: soaring melodies, never-ending phrases, and intricate vocal riffs showcase the singer’s abilities, express deeper emotions, and add to the comedic drama.
The costumes in this opera also tell a story: they are colourful and zany, with each character given a colour palette, shapes, and materials that reflect their personality. The time period is loosely based in the early to mid 20th century, although with traditional silhouettes, and reflects a Spanish influence.
The Barber of Seville was written when European nations were overthrowing monarchs and challenging inherited class structures. The widely celebrated character of Figaro (the resourceful barber of Seville) was a symbol for equal rights, democracy, and brains over birth.