FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Academy of Vocal Arts Presents Il barbiere di Siviglia
Philadelphia, 3/8/2024 – The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) proudly announces the final opera of the 2023-24 season, Gioachino Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia. This classic comedy whisks audiences away to Seville, Spain, to watch barber Figaro help the lovestruck Count Almaviva catch the eye of the beautiful Rosina, resulting in several hilarious schemes. A perennial hit with opera lovers, this work is a perfect introduction to opera for those who are curious about the art form or who wish to expand their musical tastes. This production, starring AVA’s international cast of Resident Artists, will be a must-see operatic experience. AVA’s Il barbiere di Siviglia runs April 25th to May 2nd at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater in Center City, Philadelphia, with additional performances taking place May 4th at Central Bucks South High School, May 7th at The Haverford School, and May 12th at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center.
Il barbiere di Siviglia, one of Rossini’s most beloved works, tells a captivating story filled with wit and romance. At the heart of the story is Figaro, an ingenious barber whose cunning schemes become instrumental in aiding Count Almaviva’s quest for the affections of the enchanting Rosina. Throughout the story, Figaro’s quick thinking and resourcefulness come to the forefront, providing a delightful backdrop to the tale as Count Almaviva, disguised in various forms, seeks to woo Rosina away from the clutches of the controlling Dr. Bartolo. The opera weaves a tapestry of disguises, humorous twists, and lively arias that propel the characters through a series of amusing escapades.
Longtime AVA Master Vocal Coach, Richard Raub, who will conduct AVA’s orchestra, gives his take on conducting this piece, “I want it to sound real. Yes, I want these singers to sound good, but this is not an opera that one sings to show off how beautiful their voice is, like in La bohème where there’s one beautiful song after another. That’s not this opera – from the overture it just flies. Everyone has their own complicating plots and desires, and sometimes they come together and sometimes they miss each other, and it just keeps going and going. There are also a number of recognizable tunes, for example, ‘Figaro, Figaro, Figaro,’ so there is an element of familiarity. Plus, there’s a level of realism to this opera because everything in it could actually happen, even though it’s a comedy.”
Award-winning stage director Jeffrey Buchman returns to AVA to direct this production. Buchman comments, “The timeless humor of Il barbiere di Siviglia, coupled with Rossini’s masterful music, is a showcase of the brilliance of the classical voice in the bel canto style. Whether coming to enjoy opera for the first time or returning to it as if visiting an old friend, its memorable melodies and fast-paced plot provide for a lively production filled with laughter and thrilling music.”
Tenor and AVA 3rd Year Resident Artist, Angel Raii Gómez, shares his thoughts on playing leading role Count Almaviva, “The Count is mischievous, and he’s always scheming. He loves Rosina, his friend is Figaro, and he has all these resources, but he’s very honest. He’s not an evil guy – he wants Rosina to love him for him, not because of his money. There are many layers to him, and he plays so many characters in the opera, and sometimes it can be really funny, but behind all this is an honest character who just wants love, like everyone else.”
The Academy of Vocal Arts invites audiences to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Seville as the timeless charm of Il barbiere di Siviglia springs to life. Step into a world where every note resonates with intrigue, every character tells a story worth remembering, and the magic of Rossini’s masterpiece awaits.
Tickets at AVA’s Helen Corning Warden Theater are $103 for premium reserved seating, $68 for general admission, $25 for the Young Professionals performance on April 25th (ages 45 and under).
Tickets at Central Bucks South High School on May 4th are $90 for premium reserved seating, $55 for general admission, and free for students.
Tickets at the Haverford School’s Centennial Hall on May 7th are $103 for premium reserved seating, $68 for general admission, $25 for Young Professionals (ages 45 and under), and $10 for students (available via phone or in person only).
Tickets can be purchased in advance at avaopera.org and via telephone at (215) 735-1685.
Tickets at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center are $20, $18 for Seniors, and $16 for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling 610-758-2787 (7LU-ARTS), ext. 0 or by visiting zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu.
About the Academy of Vocal Arts
The mission of the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is to be the world’s premier institution for training young artists to become international opera soloists. Through rigorous instruction and coaching, and by presentations of Resident Artists from around the world in concerts, oratorios, public programs and fully staged professional opera productions, AVA trains artists with the high potential for career success while enriching lives in Philadelphia and beyond. Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that AVA offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. AVA is distinguished by its reputation for high-quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally, and internationally. Each year AVA Resident Artists are presented in four or five fully staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident Artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers. Learn more about AVA at avaopera.org.
Academy of Vocal Arts: Il barbiere di Siviglia
Performance Dates:
April 25, 2024, 7:30PM (Young Professionals Night performance, ages 45 and under)
Helen Corning Warden Theater
The Academy of Vocal Arts
1920 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
This performance is generously sponsored by Charlotte H. Watts.
April 27, 30 & May 2, 2024, 7:30PM
Helen Corning Warden Theater
The Academy of Vocal Arts
1920 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
May 4, 2024, 7:30PM
Central Bucks South Auditorium
Central Bucks South High School
1100 Folly Road, Warrington, PA 18976
May 7, 2024, 7:30PM
Centennial Hall
The Haverford School
450 Lancaster Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041
May 12, 2024, 5:00PM
Zoellner Arts Center
Lehigh University
420 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Il barbiere di Siviglia is generously sponsored by Victoria Eckert Zoellner.
Richard Raub, Conductor
Jeffrey Buchman, Director
Photos available upon request.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Rohe
Marketing & PR Manager
arohe@avaopera.org
(215) 735-1685 x30