Lyric Opera of Kansas City Closes THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Tonight, 4/29

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City closes its 54^th season with Rossini's The Barber of Seville, presented at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, through tonight, April 29, 2012.  The production will be the final opera performed in the Luskin/Holmquist era at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

General Director Evan Luskin reminisces, "During our tenure working together, Ward and I have always tried to balance each season with contemporary and traditional repertoire.  This season has been a true testament to that commitment – with the second half of our season consisting of Nixon in China and The Barber of Seville.  We are excited to be bringingSandra Piques Eddy back to Kansas City after her success last season as Carmen."

Mezzo Soprano Sandra Piques Eddy returns to the Lyric Opera to sing Rosina.  Ms. Eddy charmed audiences and critics alike during her Company and role debut as Carmen in 2010: "Eddy's voice was as riveting as her stunning beauty," noted KCMetropolis.org. Ms. Eddy has received acclaim for her performances around the globe at companies including The Metropolitan Opera, Boston Midsummer Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Opera North (UK), Portland Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and Chicago Opera Theatre. Union Times raved Ms. Eddy's portrayal of Rosina with the Jacksonville Symphony, "flaunted her expansive vocal range in the aria Una voce poco fa at the opening of the second act."

Tenor Brian Anderson will sing Count Almaviva in his debut performance with the Lyric Opera.  Mr. Anderson has sung with Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Dallas Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Omaha, New York City Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre and San Francisco Opera.   Baritone Joshua Hopkins will make his Company debut as Figaro. Mr. Hopkins was lauded by Opera Today when he sang the role with Arizona Opera, "He was an authoritative barber who sang with robust sounds and had both vocal and stage tricks up his sleeve."  He has sung around the continent including at Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, Calgary Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and Vancouver Opera.  

Bass Kevin Burdette will sing the role of Dr. Bartolo in his Company debut.  The San Francisco Chronicle called him "a tour de force of vocal splendor and comic timing." Mr. Burdette has performed with The Metropolitan Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Phoenix Opera, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Seattle Opera and New York City Opera. Bass Arthur Woodley will make his Company debut as Basilio.  Mr. Woodley recently has appeared at Atlanta Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Dallas Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Opera Theater of St. Louis.  

Former and current University of Kansas Apprentices appear

Former University of Kansas Apprentice soprano Holly White will return to portray Berta.  Ms. White has recently appeared in Hänsel und Gretel with Eutiner Festspiele in Germany and performed with the Lyric Opera in Nixon in China,John Brown and The Magic Flute.  Current University of Kansas Apprentice baritone Bradley Walker will appear in this production as Fiorello.  Mr. Walker first appeared with the Company in The Daughter of the Regiment.  He has recently appeared with KU Opera in Ruddigore and Così fan tutte as well as with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.  The Lyric Opera Apprentice Program is a collaboration with the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the School of Music at the University of Kansas.  During the two year program students gain experience and training with the Lyric Opera to become professional opera singers.  

Principal Cast

Count Almaviva: Brian Anderson*