Bulgarian State Opera brings "The Marriage of Figaro" to UF

December 18, 2006

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Bulgarian State Opera will present “The Marriage of Figaro” at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 at the University of Florida’s Phillips Center. A pre-performance discussion led by Tony Offerle, professor of opera, will take place at 6:45 p.m.

“The Marriage of Figaro” is based on the play by Beaumarchais. Although Beaumarchais’ play was originally banned for its satirization of the aristocracy, “The Marriage of Figaro” has become the sixth-most-produced opera in North America. Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with text by Lorenzo de Ponte, the opera premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna in 1786.

A sequel to “The Barber of Seville,” Mozart’s opera follows the events of a single “mad” day at the home of Count Alvaviva. Figaro, the Count’s valet, is engaged to be married to Susanna, the Countess’ maid. The Count has been making advances toward Susanna, intent on exercising the right of a feudal lord to bed a servant girl on her wedding night. Figaro, Susanna and the Countess conspire to embarrass the Count and expose his infidelity. “The Marriage of Figaro” has all of the elements of a contemporary soap opera, set against the rich music of Mozart.

The Bulgarian State Opera, rooted in the great tradition of Bulgarian opera, consistently presents unique productions that combine the best of the opera worlds of Bulgaria and all of Europe. The performances of the Bulgarian State Opera are co-productions of the major opera houses of Bulgaria, where many eminent singers have begun their international careers, including Ghena Dimitrova, Stefka Evstatieva, Vesselina Kasarova and Nikolai Gyaurov.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. Orders also may be faxed to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Student Union and all Ticketmaster outlets; and on the Web atwww.ticketmaster.com.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and two hours before performances. The box office will be closed Dec. 21 through Jan. 2, and will reopen at noon on Jan. 3.