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Co-Opera Presents “THE BARBER OF SEVILLE”

Rossini’s comic caper ‘The Barber of Seville’ is a story of mistaken identity, misplaced affection, and the mysteries and mischief of young love. It is considered to be one the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music and has remained hugely popular for the two hundred years since its creation.

The cast features some of Australia’s finest emerging opera artists accompanied by chamber orchestra, conducted by Josh van Konkelenberg.

THE STORY
Rosina, the beautiful young ward of the grasping Doctor Bartolo is kept locked up in the house with only a window to see the world outside. Her only pleasure is her weekly music lessons with the slippery Don Basilio and the questionable company of her grumpy maid Bertha.

One day through her window she hears and then sees a dashing young man who immediately sets her heart racing. She must meet him, but how? With the help of her trusty and conniving friend Figaro, the barber of Seville, she will do anything to find the stranger whom she loves.

A comic drama of mistaken identities, and misdirection ensues as two very different men vie for her affections.

“Rossini’s glittering score and ensemble writing makes for a scintillating and gripping evening of theatre.” – Joshua van Konkelenberg (conductor)

CREATIVES
Director: Tessa Bremner OAM
Conductor: Josh van Konkelenberg
Set Designer: Ian Macdonald
Costume Designer: Giovina d’Angelo
Lighting Designer: Brenton Watson

CAST
Figaro: Shoumendu Schornikow / Daniel Smerdon
Rosina: Bronwyn Douglass / Livia Brash
Count Almaviva: Shanul Sharma / Branko Lovrinov
Doctor Bartolo: Matt Biscombe / Daniel Smerdon
Don Basilio: Eddie Muliaumaseali’i
Berta: Sidonie Henbest
Fiorello: Rod Schultz
Chorus: Peter Deane, Duncan Vecchiarelli, David Visentin

With the musicians of the Royal Commonwealth Society Ensemble

www.co-opera.com.au
www.rcsensemble.com.au