Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Rossini’s bel canto farce Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) is not only one of opera’s greatest comedies, it also offers numerous opportunities for dazzling vocal displays. And in this 2007 radio broadcast, the sensational cast rises to the challenge. As the titular jack of all trades, baritone Russell Braun leads the extraordinary ensemble, sharing the stage with beloved mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as the feisty Rosina and high-flying tenor Lawrence Brownlee—in his Met debut—as the nobleman determined to win her heart. Maurizio Benini is on the podium to conduct the effervescent performance, which also features bass-baritones John Del Carlo and Samuel Ramey as the scheming pair Dr. Bartolo and Don Basilio.