The Barber of Seville

by Gioachino Rossini

“The quality of the music, the splendour of the setting, the power and passion of the singing!”

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Barber of Seville

A light-hearted melodrama in two acts
music by Gioachino Rossini
libretto by Cesare Sterbini

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (‘The Barber of Seville’) is an opera by Gioacchino Rossini, with its libretto by Cesare Sterbini, based on a play with the same name by PierreAugustin Caron de Beaumarchais. The opera is set in the 17th century and therefore the halls of Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto are the ideal setting, embellished and complemented by its magnificent Baroque furnishings.
The two acts are performed in three different halls: the Portego (the central hall), Tiepolo Hall and the bedroom with an alcove; during the interval, it is possible to appreciate the splendour of the halls facing the Grand Canal. The palace architecture, with its countless doors in high-quality wood, allows the artists to move around an “all-round” stage space so that the audience can fully participate in Rossini’s most amusing opera.
The interiors environments are candlelit and the elegant costumes, designed by Anthony Knight, are inspired by period clothes and made of the finest fabrics.
The exhilarating direction combined with the vocal and instrumental virtuosity of the performers will guarantee the spectators a vibrant, cheerful evening.

WHEN
Every Wednesday and Sunday

DURATION
Approximately 2 hours, including the interval. The Palace opens to the public at 8 pm, the performance starts at 8.30 pm.

INTERVAL
During the interval, in the halls overlooking the Grand Canal, our guests will be free to taste top quality wines and soft drinks.

PERFORMANCE LANGUAGE
Italian, no subtitles

BOOK NOW

“Four musicians achieve what usually takes a whole orchestra… this is a whole new experience, to live great voices and strong emotions so closely!”

WELTEXPRESS

“Wonderful stuccoes tinted by time and frescoes are the perfect frame for a dive into the past, on the notes of romantic and ravishing music.”

IL GAZZETTINO

“The music seemed to bounce right off the walls, and the farce made perfect sense in this architectural context. We, the audience, felt a part of it, as if watching this great yet silly work of art play out by candlelight on a chilly, lively evening in 1816.”

ASPIRE

“Hang onto your prosecco and brace for impact: in historic salons, the soprano’s high notes imperil glassware, and thundering baritones reverberate through inlaid floors.”

LONELY PLANET

“Four musicians achieve what usually takes a whole orchestra… this is a whole new experience, to live great voices and strong emotions so closely!”

WELTEXPRESS

“Wonderful stuccoes tinted by time and frescoes are the perfect frame for a dive into the past, on the notes of romantic and ravishing music.”

IL GAZZETTINO

“The music seemed to bounce right off the walls, and the farce made perfect sense in this architectural context. We, the audience, felt a part of it, as if watching this great yet silly work of art play out by candlelight on a chilly, lively evening in 1816.”

ASPIRE

“Hang onto your prosecco and brace for impact: in historic salons, the soprano’s high notes imperil glassware, and thundering baritones reverberate through inlaid floors.”

LONELY PLANET

Aidan Leach

08:56 21 Oct 18

Simply amazing. We saw the Barber of Seville, and you become part of the opera in its intimate setting. The singing and music was excellent, the old palace rooms that each scene were set in were lovely. Be warned if you sit in the front row, you actually will be involved. Figaro combed my hair, the Count left me with his wine bottle and used me to fend off the attack from the Doctor, and then made stink eyes at me in an overstated comical way for the rest of the night. I have never laughed so hard at the opera!

Ed Zito

08:49 30 Aug 18

Outstanding performance and experience!Usually not a fan of opera but this is different. Up close and personal with great view and seating. You feel like part of the show.A must do!

Kasey Kilgore

03:19 23 Oct 18

An absolutely fantastic experience! An intimate Opera as might have been seen/heard a century ago in the private salon of a Venetian noble.

Frank Levy

20:27 03 Aug 18

Up to the first intermission was good. Then after the second intermission the chairs became way too uncomfortable and it was way too hot. Had to leave as we were very, very uncomfortable. The first section is also the most familiar to non-expert opera attendees. If it was 1/3 the length it would have been perfect. Or better chairs or air conditioning. It was nice and cool at the start but quickly warms up.

Darrell Thomas

11:42 08 Jul 18

This was the highlight of our trip to Venice. Such a great experience. The performers were very talented, and simply approaching the entrance to the building had a feeling of exclusivity that you may not get at other shows. It's a bit pricey if you don't think you'll be returning to Venice to use your membership for future shows, but it's still worth every penny.