OPERA, THAT’S AN OCCASION

Celebrate Valentines at the Opera

One of the world’s most beloved comic operas is also the perfect opera to celebrate Valentines Day.  Opening on Saturday, February 12, 8pm, with a second performance on Sunday, February 13, 3pm at Century II Concert Hall, Wichita Grand Opera presents Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.

Figaro, Figaro, Figaro! Everyone’s favorite barber, Figaro, (American James Bobick) plays cupid by conniving a plan for playboy Count Almaviva (American Benjamin Brecher) to win the hand of the vivacious and young Rosina (Russian Marina Vyskvorkina).   Kept as a virtual prisoner in the home of her crotchety guardian, Dr. Bartolo (Italian Stefano de Peppo) who wants to marry her, Figaro devises a scheme for Rosina and Almaviva to meet and fall in love.  Cupid strikes again!  Chaos reigns supreme as this beloved comic opera unfolds.  The opera concludes with a happy ending while Figaro congratulates himself on a job well done.  The cast also includes WGO Resident Artists Rebecca Robbearts as Berta, Peter Yoo as Ambroggio, and David Camp as Sergeant; and WGO Young Artists Keith Wallace as Fiorello,

            Featuring a stellar cast from around the world together with WGO Resident and Young Artists, WGO Orchestra and Chorus, the opera will be sung in Italian, the language of love, with English surtitles projected above the stage.  Making his WGO debut is world-renowned Italian conductor, Maestro Federico Cortese.  He is one of five renowned maestros to conduct WGO Orchestra this season.

            Tickets are reasonably priced and affordable at $30, $50, and $80, and can be purchased by calling the WGO Box Office at 316-262-8054, online at www.selectaseat.com, or at several Dillons locations in Wichita and Derby.  Senior, student, and military discounts are available with I.D.’s.

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