Il Barbiere di Siviglia

The Barber of Seville introduces himself as the “factotum of the whole city”: as a helper in all situations. Like all barbers of his time, he is not only responsible for head hair and beard care, but also for pulling teeth and bloodletting. In addition, Figaro’s range of responsibilities includes services for lovers and those wanting to get married, such as transporting secret messages or organizing serenades…

With this first new production of Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Wiener Staatsoper in 50 years, director Herbert Fritsch presents a “colourful slapstick party” (Der Standard), a light-hearted comedy in a world of fantasy rococo with uniform references to the Napoleonic era. Bel canto star Juan Diego Flórez heads a remarkable ensemble with house debutante Vasilisa Berzhanskaya as Rosina, Étienne Dupuis as Figaro, audience favourite Paolo Bordogna as Bartolo and Ildar Abdrazakov as Basilio, all acting with a zest for slapstick. Rossini specialist Michele Mariotti sweeps the Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper into lusty playing.