Abstract
Gioachino Rossini’s Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia is a resplendent operatic figure with a delightfully disrespectful temperament who has long since become an indispensable character on international opera stages. Drawing on the familiar characters from commedia dell’arte, this group of individuals comes together in a sophisticated game of intrigue and disguise: the money hungry (or perhaps actually love-smitten?) old man, Dottor Bartolo; his scheming accomplice, the music teacher Basilio; Bartolo’s young, beautiful, but above all, wealthy young ward Rosina, whom Bartolo wants to wed; Rosina’s secret lover Lindoro, alias Count Almaviva; and the barber Figaro, who, against all odds, will help the couple find a happy ending. This exceptionally witty and fast-paced production by young Austrian stage director Johannes Pölzgutter premiered at the Theater Winterthur, where it was enthusiastically received by audiences. For the Zurich premiere of this production, Russian baritone and ensemble member Konstantin Shushakov alternates with Dean Murphy in the title role. Young Australian tenor Alasdair Kent debuts as Count Almaviva, and Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina debuts at the Opernhaus Zürich in the role of Rosina.The Musikkollegium Winterthur is conducted by the Greek conductor George Petrou, who has attracted international attention, particularly with his Ensemble Armonia Atenea and many CD productions.