Vancouver Opera: The Barber of Seville

Comments 109 by Rebecca Bollwitt

In March 2012, the Vancouver Opera will present Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, which is praised as the greatest comic opera of all time. While I admit my first blush with this tale was via Bugs Bunny’s Rabbit of Seville, I am looking forward to seeing how our local company will bring this production to life.

Conducted by Robert Tweten and directed by Dennis Garnhum, Vancouver Opera’s The Barber of Seville will be set on a movie backlot in Seville in the 1940s. Rosina (Sandra Piques Eddy) is the starlet, Bartolo (Thomas Hammons) is the studio owner (and Rosina’s slimy agent), Almaviva (Rene Barbera) is a star-struck nobleman, and Figaro is the studio hairstylist with a flair for finagling and tomfoolery.

The Vancouver Opera has graciously offered up a pair of tickets to this show so I’ll run a quick contest this week so that the winner can potentially give the gift of opera to a friend or loved one this season. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win @VancouverOpera The Barber of Seville tickets from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/84g60 #Miss604Holidays

I will draw one winner at 11:00am on Thursday, December 22, 2011. The winner will receive a pair of tickets to The Barber of Seville on March 20, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Tickets for the remainder of the Vancouver Opera’s 2011-2012 season, which includes The Barber of Seville and Aida, are currently on sale. If you haven’t yet experienced the opera, I highly encourage you to do so. Ever since my first “Blogger Night at the Opera” (with Eugene Onegin in 2008) my appreciation has grown. The talent, voices, emotion, orchestra, and stunning sets that the Vancouver Opera manages to produce will blow you away.

Update The winner is Vicki!

Current Contests on Miss604
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109 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. VictoriaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:31am PST

    If there’s any contest I really – really – REALLY want to win from you Rebecca, it’s this one!

  2. NancyMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:31am PST

    I’d love to go. Haven’t been to the Opera in many, many years.

  3. RobertaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:32am PST

    I would love to go to this opera with my friend. I have only been to the opera once before and that was years ago.

  4. ValMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:32am PST

    Would love to gift this to my mom.

  5. ErinMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:32am PST

    Oooo would love to see this.

  6. GraceMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:34am PST

    Haven’t seen an opera since graduating high school, would love to start again with this one!

  7. Angela RMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:37am PST

    Great shows this Opera Season!

  8. JewelsMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:40am PST

    One of my favourite operas that I studied at school, would love to see it live!

  9. MariellaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:06pm PST

    I would love to go to the opera!

  10. HarjMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:38pm PST

    yes yes yes!

  11. vickyMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:49pm PST

    the opera has yet to be crossed off my bucket list…would love to experience this…

  12. Lois PattersonMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:51pm PST

    I would love to attend!

  13. BeckyMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:56pm PST

    This looks really cool, would love to win! 🙂

  14. NicoleMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 12:57pm PST

    Have always wanted to see this opera!

  15. SilverMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:09pm PST

    One of my absolute favourite operas!

  16. NikkiMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:12pm PST

    Would LOVE to win this!! Perfect bday gift.

  17. WinnieMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:14pm PST

    I would love to watch this!

  18. KaelynMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:16pm PST

    YES PLEASE!! OH HOW I WANT TO SEE THIS!!! ACK! ^_^

  19. Leo HMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:20pm PST

    Would love to see this one!

  20. stephanieMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:20pm PST

    I would love to go to the opera. Thanks

  21. MelissaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:28pm PST

    Would love to go – I haven’t been able to afford opera tickets in years!

  22. Sandra W.Monday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:42pm PST

    This would be a wonderful gift for my inlaws! Thanks for offering up such a wonderful prize.

  23. ksMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:53pm PST

    Pick me! Please??

  24. JustineMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 1:59pm PST

    I’ve always wanted to go to the opera!

  25. Dale QMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:08pm PST

    Have a 12 year old opera singer in my house who would love to go! Thanks for the opportunity

  26. Gladys TsangMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:14pm PST

    One of my favourite operas!

  27. KristinMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:39pm PST

    Would love to win tix to see the Barber of Seville!

  28. ChelleMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:44pm PST

    I’ve never been to the opera–this would be a great first show to see!

  29. JoyceMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:47pm PST

    Let me go to the opera please!

  30. hoMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:50pm PST

    Would like finally see this.

  31. peterMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:52pm PST

    opera = yes!

  32. lisaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:53pm PST

    I’m up for some opera!

  33. VanessaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:56pm PST

    Would love to see this as my first opera!

  34. HoraMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:56pm PST

    a lot of opera fans on here!

  35. RebeccaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:57pm PST

    A great opera – would really love to go!

  36. Kurt TurnerMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 2:59pm PST

    FIGAROFIGAROFIIIIIGAAARRRRO !!!!!!!!

  37. TeeMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:27pm PST

    I have always wanted to See the Barber of Seville

  38. DonnaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:29pm PST

    I love Rossini’s music and also first heard it on Bugs Bunny!! I pledge to bring a younger person, or someone who has never seen an opera, if I win these tickets! We need to get more people interested in and loving opera! 🙂

  39. JuliaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:31pm PST

    My mom would love this as a night out together!

  40. DeidreMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:33pm PST

    What a great opportunity – I haven’t been to the opera for a least 3 years now! Someone is going to have a wonderful night out!

  41. VinceMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:35pm PST

    Last opera I saw was Mm Buuterfly – it was amazing, we had such an enjoyable night out! This wopuld be fun as well!

  42. SianMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:40pm PST

    I would LOVE to see this!

  43. Mike FigaroMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:43pm PST

    Count me in!

  44. Nicole ShumMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:44pm PST

    I would love to win this!:)

  45. BernadetteMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 3:48pm PST

    never been to the opera, financially just couldn’t spare the $$$…would love to experience!

  46. ChristelMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 4:07pm PST

    I have never seen the barber of Seville and would love to surprise my husband with tickets!! Fingers crossed!!

  47. JessicaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 4:22pm PST

    My daughter has been asking me to take her to the opera, she would love this as a xmas gift.

  48. Amy TMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 4:48pm PST

    Would love to see the opera.

  49. Selina @ Vancouver OperaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 4:57pm PST

    So great to see so many of you interested in The Barber of Seville!

    Since there can only be one winner (sorry), keep in mind we also offer $25 tickets through our Get O.U.T – Get Opera Under Thirty program.

    Here’s the deal:
    – you have to be between the ages of 19 – 29
    – watch for the promo code on our Twitter and FB (released about 2 weeks before opening night)
    – call the Ticket Centre or go online, use the promo code and enjoy your sweet, sweet $25 tickets

    See you at the show! (and thanks again, Rebecca!)

  50. oanaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 5:04pm PST

    Me too! Would love love love to see this!

  51. StephanieMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 5:17pm PST

    I’ve always wanted to go to an opera!

  52. LindaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 5:52pm PST

    A performance to enjoy! Opera in the new year!

  53. AdamMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 5:53pm PST

    I’ve never been to an opera before so I hope to win and take it all in.

  54. MikeMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 5:54pm PST

    Hey, the Barber of Sevile is great and I hope to see it.

  55. SherryMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 6:13pm PST

    Welcome to my shop! Let me cut your mop! Let me shave your crop! Daintily……love the Bugs version and would really like to see this version with my opera buddy.

  56. belindaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 6:26pm PST

    Wholly Opera. This is an awesome giveaway.

  57. KaflinMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 7:52pm PST

    I’ve always wanted to see this opera live!

  58. KatieMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 7:59pm PST

    This would be an amazing!

  59. JuliaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 8:16pm PST

    My husband and I just went to the Vancouver Opera for the first time. We saw Romeo et Juliette-it was amazing! We got the GET O.U.T. (Opera Under Thirty) tickets. What a deal! We would love to go again!!! 🙂

  60. ClaireMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 8:18pm PST

    This sounds like fun! I’ve never been to the Opera before!

  61. Aileen RMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 8:48pm PST

    Wow! This is an awesome prize! I’ve never seen an opera.

  62. JasonMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 9:35pm PST

    Barber is my fav! Please enter me into this contest. Merry Christmas!!!!!!

  63. Cindy KSMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 10:21pm PST

    Sounds like an absolutely amazing Christmas gift – I would love to go for my first time!!

  64. ChrisMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 10:27pm PST

    I used to be a barber. Then, I cut some hair

  65. lucMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 10:36pm PST

    Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!

  66. lindaMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 10:49pm PST

    I haven’t yet experienced the opera, so this will be a neat way to give it a try. 🙂

  67. LauraMonday, December 19th, 2011 — 11:11pm PST

    I think this would be so much fun to see on stage! Good luck to all those who entered 🙂

  68. FrancisTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 12:59am PST

    looks like fun!

  69. HeatherTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 8:10am PST

    Happy Holidays!

  70. SharylinTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 9:21am PST

    It would be great to put these tickets under the tree for my husband…the look on his face would be priceless 😉

  71. Tom WongTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 9:28am PST

    This is one of my favs!

    Brings back Saturday afternoons listening to CBC Opera from Lincoln Center while lying around with my dog in the backyard.

  72. MichaelTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 9:29am PST

    It would be so great to end the year on a high note; figuratively as well.

  73. GigiTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 9:49am PST

    Sounds excellent 🙂

  74. P ZapasnikTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 10:06am PST

    This would be the perfect gift for my little sister. Fingers crossed.

  75. BlessyTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 10:39am PST

    I would love to go with my mom!

  76. AmandaTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 10:56am PST

    I would love to have the opportunity to watch this opera!

  77. carrieTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 11:01am PST

    I love opera.

  78. Gina G.Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 11:08am PST

    I have never been to an Opera before. Would love to go with my partner.

  79. IsabelTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 11:43am PST

    would absolutely love to go!!!

  80. SanazTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 12:03pm PST

    I’d love to go and see this opera show

  81. KarenTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 12:28pm PST

    Love the opera!

  82. BethTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 3:57pm PST

    I love marriage of figaro but have never seen the Barber!

  83. CindyTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 9:07pm PST

    I would love to see this opera!

  84. DebraTuesday, December 20th, 2011 — 11:00pm PST

    Cool contest!

  85. TeinaWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 11:09am PST

    I’ve never watched an opera, but I have had the chance to sit meters away from a female singer at a benefit concert once, and that was mind blowing. Everyone I know agrees that opera is boring, but I suspect lies.

  86. Lor.Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 11:53am PST

    Sounds like the perfect intro to opera for a pre-teen

  87. jWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 11:54am PST

    I’ve never been to the opera

  88. Peter HWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 12:00pm PST

    I am a great singer, i’m sure I could show these folks at the opera a thing or two.

  89. taniaWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 1:12pm PST

    I haven’t been since the phantom in the 90’s.

  90. rinoWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 1:13pm PST

    That sounds great!

  91. Steve Zussino – Grocery AlertsWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 1:27pm PST

    I haven’t seen a show in years

  92. allyWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 1:43pm PST

    Love to see theis!

  93. BarbWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 2:03pm PST

    howdy, would love to win!

  94. DavidWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 2:25pm PST

    Would love to go! Haven’t been to the opera for a few years and I miss it!

    Thanks!

  95. estherWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 5:56pm PST

    I’ve never been to the opera before

  96. ChristineWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 6:27pm PST

    Oohh, I would love to see this!

  97. Natalie BennettWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 10:26pm PST

    I’d love to take my Dad! We love the Vancouver Opera

  98. RebeccaWednesday, December 21st, 2011 — 11:02pm PST

    I’m a big fan of ballets, musicals, and symphonies but I’ve never been to an opera before, I’d love to see it!

  99. StotesThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 6:58am PST

    I’ve never seen this one…

  100. Steph :)Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 7:24am PST

    Wow, this would make a great Christmas gift!

  101. ceciThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:06am PST

    This is one of my favorite opera’s! would love to share it with my daughter (10)
    🙂 Merry Christmas!

  102. JenThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:09am PST

    I love this opera! pick me!

  103. VonThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:11am PST

    Coolios!

  104. GraceThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:15am PST

    Sounds awesome!

  105. Don ForanThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:23am PST

    Figaro..!

  106. alanaThursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 9:30pm PST

    girls night out….

  107. Andy C.Thursday, December 22nd, 2011 — 11:13pm PST

    I need a shave

  108. AmySaturday, December 24th, 2011 — 4:15am PST

    This is awesome!

  109. DevonFriday, December 30th, 2011 — 9:15am PST

    Food, From my mom because she knows I am trying to save up for an RV to travel around.

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