A TALENTED ensemble cast will bring to life the revival of Scottish Opera’s hugely-popular production of The Barber of Seville this autumn.

Glasgow-born tenor, Thomas Walker, leads the way as the lovelorn Count Almaviva, last seen by Scottish Opera audiences in his triumphant turn as Lindoro in 2009’s The Italian Girl in Algiers.

He is reunited with Tiziano Bracci (Mustafa in The Italian Girl in Algiers) who takes on the role of Doctor Bartolo.

Fresh from her success as Dorinda in Orlando earlier this year, Claire Booth brings her soaring soprano to the role of Rosina, while Ville Rusanen (Guglielmo, Cosi fan tutte, 2009) sings the irrepressible Figaro.

The production is a traditional, truthful piece of storytelling moulded by the masterly hands of renowned baritone Sir Thomas Allen, who brings a wealth of experience performing the opera to his role as director.

Set amongst the bright colours of southern Spain with an 18-strong male chorus, period styling, a witty libretto and Rossini’s typically glorious music, The Barber of Seville is a cheerful, fast-paced production that is sure to charm Scottish audiences.

Rossini’s sparkling score is conducted by a fellow countryman, Scottish Opera music director, Francesco Corti.

The Barber of Seville is sung in Italian with English supertitles.

“One of the most handsome productions Scottish Opera has produced for some time.” The Guardian, 2007

“As a Figaro and Almaviva of renown, Allen knows that Rossini’s comic jewel just needs the space to play itself out, with vibrant singers and funny business standing by…” The Time, 2007

Opening Night: Fri 21 October, Theatre Royal Glasgow

CAST and PRODUCTION TEAM    

Count Almaviva                          Thomas Walker

Figaro                                       Ville Rusanen                           

Rosina                                      Claire Booth

Dr Bartolo                                  Tiziano Bracci

Don Basilio                                Graeme Broadbent                    

Berta                                        Teuta Koço

Fiorello / Officer                         Adam Miller

Director                                     Sir Thomas Allen

Conductor                                 Francesco Corti

Conductor 3 and 5 Nov                  James Grossmith

Designer                                   Simon Higlett

Lighting                                     Mark Jonathan

PERFORMANCE DATES

Theatre Royal Glasgow

Fri 21, Tue 25, Thu 27, Sat 29 Oct*+, 7.15pm

Sun 23 Oct 4pm

The Barber of Seville Unwrapped

Thu 20 Oct 6pm 

Eden Court, Inverness

Thu 3, Sat 5 Nov*+, 7.15pm

The Barber of Seville Unwrapped

Fri 4 Nov 6pm

His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen

Thu 10, Sat 12 Nov *+, 7.30pm

The Barber of Seville Unwrapped

Fri 11 Nov 6pm

Festival Theatre Edinburgh

Tue 15, Thu 17, Sat 19 Nov*+, 7.15pm

The Barber of Seville Unwrapped

Wed 16 Nov 6pm

Running time – approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes

*  Audio Described Performance / Touch Tour

+  Pre Show Talk 6pm

-ENDS-

www.scottishopera.org.uk

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Contact: Emma York
Phone: 0141 242 0552
Email: emma.york@scottishopera.org.uk
Website: http://www.scottishopera.org.uk