The Barber Of Seville
Gioachino Rosini’s opera, The Barber of Seville, presented by the LA Opera Company is magical entertainment. Principal performers include the wonderful tenor Nathan Gunn as a delightful Figaro. In her Company debut, American soprano Joyce DiDonato, with her beautiful soprano voice, gives life to Rosina. Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez is a dashing and romantic Count Almaviva (his LA Opera debut). Robust Italian bass-baritone Bruno Pratico, debuts as Doctor Bartolo. And Italian bass Andrea Silvestrellli, performs the role of Don Basilio with gusto. Italian Conductor Michele Mariotti and the Orchestra add to the radiance of this delightful and comedic opera and its music.
Count Almaviva is madly in love with Rosina who is the ward of Doctor Bartolo who intends to marry her himself (mostly for her money). He does not allow her to see anyone and keeps a close eye on her. But it is the ingenious barber Figaro, who comes to the aid of the Count and Rosina in this rollicking comic opera.
The staging (scenery design by Llorenc Corbella) is lovely as well as unique in its manner of scene changing. Elegant costumes are by Renata Schussheim and kudos goes to the entire cast that gives an elegant performance to a fun and entertaining opera. Final performance 8 PM, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
The Music Center
135 No. Grand Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Tickets: (213) 972-8001
Online at www.LAOpera.com