The Marriage of Figaro

The final production of The Royal Opera's Mozart-Da Ponte cycle is the glorious comedy of The Marriage of Figaro. Mozart's great score has a wealth of famous numbers and gives the chance for especially fine singing. The revival is fortunate to have an exceptional cast of internationally acclaimed singers in these roles - Ildebrando D'arcangelo plays the quick-witted manservant and Simon Keenlyside his master - under the baton of Antonio Pappano, Music director of The Royal Opera for all but the final performance. While the attempts of Figaro to protect his betrothed Susanna from the designs of Count Almaviva provide the starting point, the action soon draws in the entire chateau household to reveal poignant undercurrents. The setting of David McVicar's production in 1830 - with sumptuous and realistic designs - provides the perfect backdrop for the unresolved tensions between the classes of Revolutionary Europe. Whether enjoyed for its wit and sparkle, its emotional depth or sheer musical pleasure, Le nozze di Figaro is one of the masterpieces of classical opera and makes a fitting conclusion for this Olympic Programme celebration of one of the greatest operatic partnerships.