Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532501
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 19 FEBRUARY 2025 THEATRE Rossini's hilariously memorable opera 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' to be performed at Teatru Manoel The beloved comic opera is sure to delight audiences with a powerful performance full of laughs, disguises, and impressive vocals. TEATRU Manoel has announce its production of the comic opera 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' as part of 'Rossini Week' which celebrates the work of renowned Italian com- poser Gioachino Rossini. This production of 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' is directed by Paul Carr, with musical direction by Maestro Micahel Laus who will be conducting the Malta Philhar- monic Orchestra, with set design by Adrian Mamo, and costume design by Denise Mulholland. ' Il Barbiere di Siviglia' features performances by local and inter- national performers, including Leonardo Ferrando as the Count of Almaviva, Felipe Oliveira as Don Bartolo, Heather Lowe as Rosina, and Andre Morsch as Fi- garo the barber. Pavlo Balakin plays Basilio, James Agius plays Fiorello, and Alexandra Camilleri Gambin plays Berta. A twelve-strong male choir from KorMalta adds to the vocal prow- ess of the performance, under the direction of Riccardo Bianchi. Rossini's 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' was first performed in 1816, writ- ten the year before when Rossini himself was just 24 years old. Although it was booed on its first night, it went on to become one of the greatest masterpieces of comedic music, and has been described as the "opera buffa" of all "opere buffe". After two centuries, it remains a popular opera across the globe. A comic opera in two acts, 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' follows two young lovers on a quest to be together with the help of their friend Figaro. The opera features various cos- tumes and disguises, bribes and trickery, and highly memorable arias. Performances will take place at Teatru Manoel on the 9th, 11th, 13th, and 15th of March 2025 at 7.30pm. 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' forms part of Teatru Manoel's 'Rossini Week' which will also feature re- citals of Rossini's 'Sins of Old Age' and 'Petite Messe Solennelle'. For more information on this production of 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' and to book your tickets, visit https://teatrumanoel.mt/ event/il-barbiere-di-siviglia/, call the Teatru Manoel Box Office at (+356) 21246389 or visit the Box Office on Old Theatre Street in Valletta.