Florentine Opera Presents Rossini's FIGARO

The Florentine Opera draws its 83rd Season to a spectacular close with Rossini's sparkling tale of opera's most famous barber, Figaro.

Rossini's classic returns to Milwaukee for the first time in a decade, under the baton of Joseph Rescigno, also marks his 35th year with the company. Maestro Rescigno is now the longest serving principal conductor in opera today.

Mistaken identities, deceptions and counter-deceptions abound in this amorous romp. Rossini's score is a veritable highlight reel of beautiful music.

Performances feature the American debut of acclaimed Spanish Mezzo-soprano Carol Garcia as Rosina in her first US operatic appearance, the Florentine debut of Baritone Luis Alejandro Orozco in the role of Figaro (sponsored by Nita Soref), and the return of Florentine favorites Soprano Katrina Thurman, Bass-baritone Peter Volpe and baritone Andrew Wilkowske. The Barber of Seville is directed by William Florescu, with the Florentine Opera Chorus and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. This production, including sets and costumes from Utah Opera, makes its triumphant return to the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall stage for two nights only for the first time in 10 years.

WHY YOUR AUDIENCE WILL CARE

Acclaimed Spanish Mezzo-soprano Carol Garcia makes her American mainstage debut as Rosina.

"Garcia conquers the audience from its first 'Una volta...', with a full-bodied, delicately flexible in the high, impeccably executed vocals... she gives a role full of sweetness and melancholy, and makes of Angelina a true romantic heroine."
--Emmanuel Andrieu of opera online

Carol Garcia - winner of the 2015 Young Artist Prize from Opers Actual and born in Barcelona. mezzo-soprano Carol Garcia studies with Francesca Roig. A semi-finalist at the 2008 Montserrat Caballé Singing Competition, she was a finalist at the 2009 Luis Mariano Singing Competition, being awarded the Second Prize for Female Singers; a finalist at the 2009 Francesco Viñas Competition 09, being awarded with a scholarship and with the special prize "Grupo de liceístas del 4o y 5o piso" as the most promising Spanish singer' and finalist of 2010 Paris Opera Competition.

For a Youtube clip of Carol Garcia singing around the world, click here.

On Luis Alejandro Orozco:
"imposing presence, both vocally and dramatically."
--Cincinnati Enquirer

On Taylor Stayton:
"The very gifted Taylor Stayton's laser-bright timbre boasts an exceptional fluidity above the staff and is probably ideally displayed in Rossini, but his Ernesto was no slouch."
--Opera News

On Katrina Thurman:
"remarkably vibrant and flexible voice"
--Gramaphone
"wonderfully clear, pointed sound and the natural warmth she brings to her character"
--Opera News

On Peter Volpe:
"Over the years, Volpe has garnered praise for his dark, dynamic bass and his ability to make a character come alive..."
--Opera News

"He dominated the production with his flashing eyes, his sonorous, burnished brass bass voice and his powerful stage presence."
--Kenneth Blount

On Andrew Wilkowske:
"...a genuine, live-wire comic actor with fine linguistic skills."
--Opera News

On Maestro Rescigno's 35th Anniversary
In 1980, John Gage, a former actor and theater director turned opera company manager, was appointed general director of the Florentine Opera Company. Later that year, he found himself in need of a conductor for La Gioconda, starring Gilda Cruz-Romo, the following March. Having worked with Nicola Rescigno, he called Dallas hoping that the maestro would be willing to come to Milwaukee. However, the elder Rescigno had never conducted the infrequently produced piece. He could think of only two names to recommend, one being that of his nephew, Joe (Joseph Rescigno), who ultimately conducted the opera. For the full story call Richard Clark 414.291.5700 x 213