Colin brings to his acclaimed Don Basilio to Santa Barbara. He is thrilled to be singing under the baton of Lyndon Meyer in his OSB debut and with the direction of Richard Gammon.
CAST:
Figaro: Matthew Peterson
Rosina: Sunwoo Park
Almaviva: Chris Mosz
Dr. Bartolo: Mattia Venni
Don Basilio: Colin Ramsey
Il Barbiere di Siviglia
The Barber of Seville is Rossini’s best known work and, thanks to Bugs Bunny, probably the most iconic operatic comedy. The brilliant slapstick timing of Rossini’s score and timeless humor make it an easy revival. The role of Don Basilio is short, but full of impact and purpose. His aria on gossip is a pillar of the bass repertoire and frequently performed on galas due to its comedy and showstopping vocalism. In my opinion though, Basilio’s best moment comes in the second act sextet when he unknowingly is the least welcome guest in the house and all sides try to throw him out for their own reasons.
“no comedy was
lost by showcasing Mr. Ramsey’s gorgeously rolling tones, with their vibrant
young sheen. A solidly delivered La calunnia has rarely been as pleasingly
voiced, yet with all the necessary sinuous underpinnings.”