The Barber of Seville

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gioachino Rossini's masterpiece "Il barbiere di Siviglia," one of the greatest comic operas of all time. This masterpiece captivates audiences with a perfect blend of musical brilliance and sparkling humor, which has enthralled them for over 200 years. 

In the historic setting of St. Peter's Basilica's crypt, you'll experience Rossini's work up close – a story full of wit, passion, and intrigue, featuring the most famous arias in the operatic world. Let yourself be captivated by Rossini's genius and a generous dose of love and intrigue!

Slightly abridged and with piano accompaniment, this popular opera can be experienced in its purest form, focusing entirely on the essentials. 

OPERA in the CRYPT stands for authentic, honest operatic craftsmanship and guarantees the original, as it was written. Established as Austria's smallest opera house, the performances in the CRYPT impress with their intensity and high quality. 

The crypt maintains a pleasant temperature at all times of the year. 

Action:

Act 1

Count Almaviva serenades his beloved Rosina every morning in front of her balcony. His clever friend, the hairdresser Figaro, assists him and reveals that Dr. Bartolo intends to marry his ward Rosina in anticipation of a rich inheritance.

Despite Bartolo's vigilance, Rosina manages to drop a letter from her balcony, asking for the name of the singer she doesn't yet know. Almaviva takes Figaro's suggestion and calls himself "Lindoro." Delighted, Rosina writes Lindoro a love letter. 

The music teacher Basilio warns Dr. Bartolo about Almaviva and reveals that he is Lindoro. Figaro, on the other hand, tells Rosina that his lovesick cousin Lindoro is waiting for a letter from her. 

Almaviva tries everything to get close to Rosina. He poses as a soldier seeking quarters, but fails because Bartolo, as a doctor, is not obligated to take in soldiers.

Act 2

Disguised as a singing teacher, "Don Alonzo," Almaviva finally gains access. He pretends to be standing in for the ailing music teacher Basilio and gives Rosina a singing lesson. Meanwhile, Figaro obtains the key to the balcony door so that Rosina can secretly escape at night.

When Bartolo overhears Almaviva and Rosina in disguise, he plots to thwart their escape and marry them that very night. The Count then reveals the truth to Rosina, and she agrees to the elopement. When the appointed notary arrives to marry Rosina and Bartolo, he is forced to certify the marriage between Rosina and Almaviva.

Dr. Bartolo, accompanied by the police, finds the newlywed couple. Count Almaviva generously gives him Rosina's dowry.

Program and cast

Count Almaviva, Rosina's admirer: Andrés Alzate

Dr. Bartolo, Rosina's guardian: Florian Pejrimovsky

Rosina: Eli Our

Figaro, Barber: Jubin Amiri

Basilio, music teacher: Benedict Berndonner

Fiorello, Almaviva's servant: Minhyeok Choi

Berta, Dr. Bartolo's old housekeeper: Katharina Jing An Gebauer

Musical direction  and overall direction:  Ekaterina Nokkert