BYU Opera to Present “The Barber of Seville”
Contents
The BYU Opera will present “The Barber of Seville” on March 3 and 5 in the de Jong Concert Hall.
Introduction
The Barber of Seville, an opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini, was first performed in Rome in 1816. Based on a play by Pierre Beaumarchais, the opera tells the story of a young man, Figaro, who outwits his rivals and helps two young lovers, Rosina and Count Almaviva, to be united. BYU Opera will present The Barber of Seville November 15-17 in the de Jong Concert Hall.
What is opera?
Opera is a musical art form in which singers perform a dramatic work combining text (called a libretto) and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, costumes and sometimes dance. The history of opera can be traced back to the early years of the 17th century. An Italian gentleman named Jacopo Peri wrote what is considered to be the first opera, Dafne, in 1597. It was produced in Florence, Italy and was based on a Greek myth.
What is “The Barber of Seville”?
“The Barber of Seville” is an opera buffa, or comic opera, in two acts by Gioachino Rossini with a libretto by Cesare Sterbini. It was first performed on February 20, 1816, at the Teatro Argentina in Rome.
The opera tells the story of Count Almaviva’s attempt to woo the beautiful Rosina away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who intends to marry her himself. Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville, to outwit Bartolo and win Rosina’s hand.
One of the most popular operas ever written, “The Barber of Seville” has been performed thousands of times and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. It is sure to delight audiences of all ages!
BYU Opera’s Production
The Barber of Seville, an opera by Gioachino Rossini, will be put on by BYU Opera this semester. The Barber of Seville is a two-act opera that tells the story of Count Almaviva’s attempt to woo the lovely Rosina, who is being kept under the watchful eye of her guardian, Dr. Bartolo.
When and where will it be performed?
The Barber of Seville will be performed in the de Jong Concert Hall in the Harris Fine Arts Center on Brigham Young University’s campus. The show will run from March 7-9 at 7:30 PM with a matinee on March 9 at 2:00 PM.
What is the cast and creative team like?
The cast for The Barber of Seville is:
Figaro – Kody Cpeskowitz
Rosina – Heidi Williams
Dr. Bartolo – Chris Ivins
Don Basilio – Jordan Hale
Berta – Whitney Johnson
Fiorello – Jed Olsen
Count Almaviva – Zac Wilson
The creative team is:
Director – Kelli Dees-Lyons
Music Director – Brian Funk
Conclusion
The Barber of Seville was a huge success! BYU Opera did an amazing job and the students really rose to the occasion. The sets, costumes, and music were all top-notch and the performances were stellar. We can’t wait to see what BYU Opera does next!
Why you should see BYU Opera’s “The Barber of Seville”
Here are five reasons why you should see BYU Opera’s “The Barber of Seville”!
1. “The Barber of Seville” is one of the most popular operas ever written.
2. It is a hilarious comedy full of madcap antics and larger-than-life characters.
3. The music is some of the most memorable and catchy in all of opera.
4. BYU Opera’s production will be set in 1920s Hollywood, complete with flappers, fedoras, and vintage cars.
5. It’s a perfect night out for the whole family!
