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Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Royal Opera

The Barber were to be the last work I saw at the Royal Opera this season - and it was a memorable one for all the right reasons. Joyce DiDonato, who sang the role of Rosina, broke her leg earlier in the run but carried on with the rest of the performances by singing from a wheel chair. Well, one doesn't see a wheel chair on stage often, but for a lead character to sing, act and dance in a wheel chair was simply phenomenal. She didn't lose any of her vocal agility nor acting prowess - and managed to deliver a first rate performance on the night.

Of course, DiDonato was paired with Juan Diego Flórez who delivered one vocal pyrotechnic after another with bounteous youthfulness. Figaro was played by Pietro Spagnoli who gave the role flair and humour. Ferruccio Furlanetto as Dottore Bartolo was a joy to watch. With Antonio Pappano at the helm of the orchestra, sounderous sound came from the pit. All in all, this production brought a memorable finale to this season at the Royal Opera.


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