The Baltimore Concert Opera (BCO) and OperaDelaware (OD) will join forces for a co-production of Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”.

In sum, there will be four performances with the first two on February 18 at 7:30 p.m. and February 20 at 3 p.m. at Stephens Hall at Townson University in Maryland. Final performances will be February 25 at 7:30 p.m. and February 27 at 2 p.m. at The Grand in Willington, DE.

The title role will be performed by baritone Brian James Myer. Rosina is played by mezzo-soprano Mary Beth Nelson, tenor Christopher Bozeka will sing the role of Count Almaviva, baritone Tim Mix plays Dr. Bartolo, Basilio is played by bass-baritone Kevin Short, soprano Julia Laird will sing Berta and baritone Zachary Bryant sings Fiorello.

At both locations, OD Music Director Anthony Barrese conducts the OperaDelaware Orchestra. Papermoon Opera Productions will provide the costumes and scenography.

The Baltimore Concert Opera and OperaDelaware collaborate frequently, but “The Barber of Seville” will be the first large-scale opera co-produced by the duo. It is also BCO’s first fully staged production with an orchestra since 2009 and OD’s first in-person granda opera since 2020.

“While the idea of ​​a co-production has been simmering for some time, the timing of this first effort couldn’t be better. Together, we benefit from the financial and human resources of two companies, the ability to hire artists to a longer period and efficiencies that come from sharing fixed costs. This mutually beneficial arrangement has made it easier for OD to get back into presenting great operas to our customers,” said OD’s Managing Director, Brendan Cooke, in an official statement.