OPERA REVIEW: The Barber of Seville

If you have not had a chance to see the Metropolitan Operas (that comes direct by satellite from New York) you have missed the cultural events of the year. It is such a brilliant concept. It has been so successful that tickets are almost impossible to purchase a month before the performance. I tried to buy tickets for this show a month ago. Three venues in town were sold out. I was forced to buy a ticket on line from the Silvercity Richmond Hill theatre. Since then two new theatre groups have added the operas to their roster. Check www.cineplex.com on the computer. I was forced to drive one hour to Highway 7 and Yonge and believe me it was worth it all. You see the house orchestra warming up. The camera zones in on the fingers of a clarinetist. You see the trumpeter fingering the notes. There is expectancy in the air as the curtain opens. The cast is always first rate. I have now seen three operas by satellite from New York. It is amazing that 30 countries participate in this cultural wonder.
The close ups give you a look at the opera that is impossible from the auditorium. You see every facial feature. You hear every note crystal clear. I love the fact that the sub titles are at the bottom of the screen. In this way you can read the words and see the picture at the same time. At the opera house I find it difficult to read the words placed at the top of the stage. It is almost impossible to witness the performance and read the words at the same time.
The characters in Barber of Seville were magnificent. Joyce Di Donato was a beautiful Rosina. Her expressions and magnificent voice were always a treat. Count Almaviva was a handsome character and he played the part to perfection. The old Dr Bartolo wanted so much to wed Rosita and tried everything in his power to trick her into marriage. His rotund body and facial expressions were wondrous. Figaro sang every note perfectly. Not only was the cast perfectly chosen for their voices, they were great at the dramatic expression. The staging was very clever.
During intermission you are always treated to an interview with cast members. It is an emotional wondrous experience.
Eugene Onegin will be repeated on Saturday April 7
The Barber of Seville will have an encore presentation on April 21
Puccini’s Il Trittico will be presented for the first time on April 28. It is comprised of three short stories all expressing a different mood.