Love, intrigue and wit – Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” at the Warsaw Chamber Opera
This November, the stage of the Warsaw Chamber Opera will resonate with the music of one of the most beloved comedies in the history of opera – “The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini, directed by Grzegorz Chrapkiewicz. Rossini created a masterpiece that has remained in the repertoire of theatres worldwide for over two centuries. This humor-filled opera buffa in two acts, composed to a libretto by Cesare Sterbini based on the play of the same title by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, is a story where love and cunning go hand in hand.
What is Rossini’s opera about? In the labyrinth of Seville’s intrigues and secrets, Count Almaviva falls in love with the beautiful Rosina, who is closely watched by her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. To win her heart, the young aristocrat adopts a series of disguises – at times a poor student named Lindoro, at others a drunken soldier or a music teacher. At this point, a new player steps in who can change everything – Figaro, the barber, quick-witted, resourceful, Seville’s unofficial diplomat. With his wit and resourcefulness, he helps the lovers outsmart Bartolo and guides the tale toward a finale where love triumphs and the schemer is left empty-handed.
The musical direction of the production is led by Adam Banaszak, with Grzegorz Chrapkiewicz responsible for direction and staging. Wojciech Stefaniak designed the set, Ewelina Adamska-Porczyk choreographed the movement, and Anna Chadaj created the costumes. Artur Wytrykus designed the lighting, while Jakub Psuj is behind the graphic projections.
Who will perform? In the Warsaw Chamber Opera’s production of “The Barber of Seville,” the role of Count Almaviva will be performed by Karol Kozłowski and Aleksander Kunach. Dariusz Machej and Piotr Miciński will appear as Bartolo, while the spirited Rosina will be portrayed by Teresa Marut and Zuzanna Nalewajek. The title role of Figaro, the barber himself, will be sung by Łukasz Klimczak and Hubert Zapiór. Artur Janda and Tomasz Kumięga will perform as Don Basilio, while Wanda Franek and Elżbieta Wróblewska will sing as Berta. Also appearing on stage will be Marek Makowski and Jacek Ornafa as Ambrogio, and Szymon Bołtralik and Łukasz Górczyński as Fiorello and the Officer.
The musical ensemble for the production is provided by the Warsaw Chamber Opera’s Early Instruments Ensemble – Musicae Antiquae Collegium Varsoviense (MACV) under the baton of Adam Banaszak, together with the Warsaw Chamber Opera Vocal Ensemble directed by Krzysztof Kusiel-Moroz.
Who? What? Where? When?
“The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini
Premiere: November 20, 2025
Performances: November 21, 22, 23, 25 and 26, 2025
Venue: Warsaw Chamber Opera Theatre