Daniela Mack photo by Shervin Lainez

The Barber of Seville Ushers in New Era of “Reawakening” Says SFO Director

There is an “incredible reawakening” of the arts ahead of us, says San Francisco Opera director, General Director Matthew Shilvock.

“As the pandemic recedes, we need that visceral energy of live performance—artists and audiences connected in magical moments of emotive expression—more than ever. At San Francisco Opera we are committed to getting back to it safely this spring.”

Ferry riders may wish to visit the Marin Center April 23-May 15 to catch the latest production of “The Barber of Seville.

San Francisco Opera returns to live opera performance with a new adaptation of one of the greatest operas in the repertoire, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia). American director Matthew Ozawa has adapted the beloved opera into a 90-minute (no intermission), backstage comedy that retains the work’s humor and vocal fireworks while linking it to the poignancy of human connection. The opera will be performed in an English translation by Marcie Stapp.

Mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack portrays Rosina, for which the Guardian praised her “dark tone and formidable coloratura,” with Laura Krumm singing the final three performances. Alek Shrader, whom the New York Times hailed as a “virile Almaviva with matinee-idol good looks,” reprises the role of the Count which he performed opposite his wife, Mack, at the War Memorial Opera House in 2014.