Shepherd School Opera to present ‘The Barber of Seville’

The Shepherd School of Music’s Opera Department and Chamber Orchestra will present Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 10, and 12 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Rice University’s Wortham Opera Theatre in Alice Pratt Brown Hall.

The production will be conducted by Richard Bado, director of Rice’s Opera Studies Program, and staged by guest director Mary Birnbaum.

Regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music, “The Barber of Seville” is a two-act opera by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. The work premiered in Rome in 1816 and more than 200 years later, the story – along with its quick-witted hero, Figaro – continues to enthrall audiences.

“The Barber of Seville” tells of a young nobleman, Almaviva, who wins his lover, Rosina, away from her lecherous guardian, Dr. Bartolo – but only with considerable help from Figaro.

“The Barber of Seville” is a raucous comedy written in the bel canto (beautiful singing) style,” Bado said. “It requires virtuosic singing of the highest order which we are able to provide with our talented and skilled singers.”

The opera will be presented in Italian with English surtitles. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens. For tickets, call the Shepherd School Concert Office at 713-348-8000.