The greatest opera comedy of all time — The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini — will be presented to audiences at Astana Opera. On February 7 and 8, the story of the incomparable adventurer from Seville will sweep the audience away with its unstoppable pace, dazzling artistry, energy, sparkling humor, and virtuosic vocal fireworks.
The Barber of Seville is a spectacular production, rightfully considered the benchmark of the opera buffa genre. For more than two hundred years since its premiere in 1816, the opera has become firmly embedded in popular culture: its melodies have accompanied the adventures of Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry, appeared in The Simpsons, and featured in iconic films from Citizen Kane to Mrs. Doubtfire.
The central figure of the action is Figaro, whose image has long transcended the theatrical stage. Thanks to his boundless optimism, ingenuity, and daring, there are no unsolvable problems for this hero. He is the driving force and soul of the story about an enterprising barber who helps a lovestruck Count rescue his beloved from the clutches of an elderly guardian. Yet behind the apparent lightness of the character lies immense complexity. The role of Figaro is considered a true test of professional maturity for a baritone. His famous cavatina “Largo al factotum” demands charismatic stage presence and extraordinary vocal stamina. The performer must master rapid-fire diction, delivering the text at breathtaking speed while maintaining vocal brilliance, precise intonation, and a wide range. These days, residents and guests of the capital will see theatre soloists Altynbek Abilda and Sultan Bakytzhan in the role of the charismatic Figaro.
“The Barber of Seville is undoubtedly a masterpiece by Rossini, always received with great delight by audiences. The opera captivates from the very first bars of its brilliant, instantly recognizable overture. It has everything: unexpected plot twists, virtuosic vocal parts, and vivid, engaging characters,” notes theatre soloist Altynbek Abilda. “My character, Figaro, embodies wit and a love of life, and his cavatina is a true operatic hit, instantly recognized even by those far from classical music. From the very first notes, the hall erupts in applause. I am very happy to perform this role, as Figaro can truly be called the dream of any baritone.”
The technical complexity of the musical material sets an exceptionally high standard for the entire troupe. In the role of Rosina, leading soloists — Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Saltanat Akhmetova and Cavalier of the Order of Qurmet Aizada Kaponova — must demonstrate utmost vocal agility and flexibility. Count Almaviva, determined to marry the beautiful Rosina, will be portrayed by Artur Gabdiyev and Alikhan Zeynolla; Basilio by Shyngys Rassylkhan; Bartolo by Honored Figure of Kazakhstan Yevgeny Chaynikov; Berta by Elena Ganzha; Fiorello by Dinmukhamed Koshkinbayev, among others.
The orchestra under the baton of conductor Elmar Buribayev acts as an independent and fully fledged character of the opera. Audiences will experience the famous “Rossini crescendos,” where a musical phrase grows from a barely audible whisper to thunderous climaxes. Rossini’s innovative techniques generate a powerful surge of energy that is physically felt by those present in the hall. The production’s conductor is Honored Figure of Kazakhstan, State Prize laureate, and principal conductor of the theatre Alan Buribayev.
The visual design of the performance matches its musical brilliance. The set was created by a legendary tandem — renowned scenographer Ezio Frigerio, who worked on the production with his assistant Riccardo Massironi, and Oscar-winning costume designer Franca Squarciapino. Stage director Alfonso Antoniozzi recreated the atmosphere of sunny Seville, enhanced by modern lighting solutions by Jacopo Pantani and video projections by Sergio Metalli.
Curtain up at 5:00 PM.
