FIGARO TO THE RESCUE

Rossini’s evergreen comedy launches
San Francisco Opera’s summer
season with charm and style

Joshua Hopkins as Figaro

The summer season of San Francisco Opera is officially underway, and the first offering is a popular favorite. The Barber of Seville (Il barbiere di Siviglia) by Gioachino Rossini first debuted in Rome in 1816 and is no doubt one of the most frequently performed operas in the world.

Levy Sekgapane as Count Almaviva and Joshua Hopkins as Figaro

Figaro (Joshua Hopkins) sets out to help two star-crossed lovers: Count Almaviva (Levy Sekgapane), a Spanish nobleman, and Rosina (Maria Kataeva). They need help trying to outwit Rosina’s guardian, Dr. Bartolo (Renato Girolami), who is also in love with Rosina. The Count manages to sneak into Rosina’s house by disguising himself as her music teacher. The opera is largely viewed as a comedy due to Figaro and Almaviva’s various schemes to fool Dr. Bartolo.

Riccardo Fassi as Don Basilio

The music in The Barber of Seville is not only memorable within the opera world but familiar in other contexts as well. Children of all ages may recognize “Largo al factotum”—the famous “Figaro, Figaro, Figaro” aria—from classic Bugs Bunny cartoons.

Joshua Hopkins as Figaro, Maria Kataeva as Rosina, and Levy Sekgapane as Count Almaviva

Conductor Benjamin Manis led the orchestra with such force that it occasionally seemed to overpower some of the singers. Llorenç Corbella‘s large white set, featuring Rosina’s home—and more specifically the window where she is serenaded by her suitors—is imposing and visually striking. One critique, however, is that the sight of performers entering below the house occasionally proved distracting. Pepa Ojanguren‘s colorful costumes gave each character a distinct look. With her flaming red hair and brightly colored gowns, Rosina in particular stood out visually.

The finale of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville

Although the story is generally set in the 18th century, one puzzling prop—the red convertible in which the happy couple drives away at the end—felt like an out-of-place anachronism, creating a déjà vu ending reminiscent of the film Grease.

Levy Sekgapane as Count Almaviva (in disguise as Don Alonso) and Renato Girolami as Doctor Bartolo

With a running time of more than three hours, including an intermission, it’s a big ask of modern audiences to spend a full evening with an Italian opera. Overall, however, this adaptation of a beloved 200-year-old classic succeeds in delighting its audience. It’s an enjoyable way to launch the company’s summer season.

Thomas Kinch as an Officer with members of the San Francisco Opera Chorus

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photo by Cory Weaver / San Francisco Opera

The Barber of Seville
San Francisco Opera
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco
Friday, June 5 performance will be livestreamed
ends on June 27, 2026
for tickets ($29–$447), call 415.864.3330 or visit San Francisco Opera

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