Il Barbiere di Siviglia
From 21 June, seven evenings of Belcanto at the Arena di Verona, conducted by George Petrou
Rossini's comic masterpiece returns to the stage in Verona in Hugo De Ana's classic and elegant staging, a rococo garden with large roses enhanced by a cast of bel canto stars
Barbera, Berzhanskaya, Olivieri, Bordogna, Tagliavini were on stage at the 21 June premiere. Big names until 6 September, with Pratt, Korchak, Brownlee, Alaimo, Luciano, Fassi, Vinogradov and Mappa. Greek conductor George Petrou also makes his debut at the helm of the Arena's artistic ensembles.
An Italian garden, an elegant labyrinth of hedges, colossal red roses, sparkling comings and goings of characters in colourful Rococo garb: these are the iconic elements of the Barber of Seville at the Arena di Verona, in the staging designed by Hugo De Ana, Argentine director, stage and costume designer, with ironic choreography by Leda Lojodice for ballet, mimes and the cast. Plots and jokes, amorous sighs and funny misunderstandings, serenades and disguises reach a climax in the happy ending.
A feast for the eyes but also for the ears. For the seven evenings of The Barber of Seville, the Arena Foundation has put together an international cast of refined bel canto singers, who will take it in turns to perform until 6 September under the guidance of George Petrou. The Greek maestro is making his debut at the Arena. Well known for his eclectic repertoire, he is particularly devoted to and appreciated for Baroque and Italian 18th century compositions, a necessary background for Rossini. In addition to conducting the Arena Foundation’s Orchestra and Chorus, prepared by Roberto Gabbiani, Petrou will also perform at the fortepiano, personally accompanying the lively recitatives in which Sterbini's play set to music by Rossini unfolds.
After its premiere on Friday, 21 June at 9.30 pm, The Barber of Seville will be repeated on 27 June (at 9.30 pm), with a new cast on 6 and 12 July (at 9.15 pm), then with other performers on 24 and 31 August and 6 September (also at 9.00 pm).
At the premiere on Friday at 9.30 pm, the protagonist will be the young baritone Mattia Olivieri in the role of Figaro, barber and factotum who helps the Count of Almaviva win Rosina’s love - tenor Renè Barbera in his Arena debut and mezzo soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, respectively. Standing in their way will be the elderly and gruff tutor Bartolo, and the music teacher Basilio, played by Paolo Bordogna - another Arena debut - and Roberto Tagliavini. The cast is completed by Marianna Mappa's comic servant Berta, the faithful Fiorello and Ambrogio, both impersonated by Nicolò Ceriani, and the Officer played by the very young newcomer Domenico Apollonio. Other great artists will take turns in subsequent performances, making each evening a premiere. In July, we will see Nicola Alaimo's Figaro, Dmitry Korchak's Count, Riccardo Fassi's Basilio, and Misha Kiria's Bartolo. From 24 August, the Seville Garden will be enlivened by Davide Luciano, Lawrence Brownlee, Alexander Vinogradov, Carlo Lepore and Jessica Pratt, Rosina sopranile for new amazing vocal variations.
The 101st Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2024 offers a total of 50 unrepeatable evenings of opera, concerts and ballets on stage until 7 September. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2024 is supported by numerous sponsors, headed by UniCredit with a long-standing partnership spanning more than 25 years, followed by Calzedonia, Pastificio Rana, Volkswagen Group Italia, DB Bahn, Forno Bonomi, RTL 102.5, Genny, which once again this year signs the uniforms of audience reception staff, and Müller which, this year too, supports the accessibility projects dedicated to people with disabilities. Official partners include historic brands such as Veronafiere, Air Dolomiti, A4 Holding, Metinvest, SABA Italia, SDG Group, Sartori di Verona, Palazzo Maffei and Mantova Village. New supporters include Poste Italiane, ManPower Group and Consorzio di Tutela dell'Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP. In addition to companies, private individuals, and professional associations that make up the ranks of the Membership 67 Columns for the Arena di Verona, founded by Gianluca Rana from the namesake pasta factory, and Sandro Veronesi, patron of the Oniverse Group, with Gruppo Editoriale Athesis as media partner.
