The Marriage of Figaro

Mozart’s famous opera is a whirlwind comedy of betrothal, betrayal and deliciously bad behaviour.

Set on a single day, it packs in a dazzling procession of madcap comic schemes and setbacks, all of which are punctuated by some of the most sublime music ever written. This is Mozart at the height of his powers.

Overview

When the cheating Count Almaviva makes advances on Susanna, his servant’s wife-to-be, Figaro’s marriage threatens to end before it has started.

The household takes sides. Deception, disguise and double cross are the result, as the warring factions make Figaro’s love-life a comic battleground.

Discover more about the story of The Marriage of Figaro on our dedicated page.

Score

Considered one of the greatest operas ever written, The Marriage of Figaro has a masterful balance of light and shade. Its playful, bubbling overture carries its pace and comic tone. Meanwhile the arias and ensemble pieces capture the rich characterisation and the deeply moving rift – and reconciliation – of Figaro and Susannah.

Many of the arias are now world famous, including ‘Voi che sapete’ (‘Tell me what love is’) and ‘Non piú andrai’ (‘Here’s an end to your life as a wanderer’) which is performed yearly at Trooping the Colour.

Singers & Creators

One of the most gifted directors of his generation, Joe Hill-Gibbins brings an exciting new energy to this classic opera. It’s a bold, contemporary take that accentuates Mozart’s overtures and arias with a pared back staging, which brings out the production’s wit and comedic characters.

Former ENO Harewood Artist, David Ireland sings the title role. Internationally renowned British soprano and another former ENO Harewood Artist, Mary Bevan is Susannah, his fiancée. The production is conducted by Ainārs Rubiķis, following his many successes as Music Director with the Komische Oper, Berlin.

Co-production with Oper Wuppertal.

The role of Susanna, performed by Mary Bevan, is generously supported by Olly Carpenter and Johnno Loggie.