娱乐英语新闻:Classic Rossini opera performed at NCPA

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Il Barbiere di Siviglia, an opera by Gioachino Rossini, was set to conclude its five-day performances at the National Center for Performing Arts (NCPA) Sunday night.

Since its premiere at the Teatro Argentina, Rome, in 1816, Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia has proven to itself a great masterpiece and still holds the spotlight across major opera houses worldwide. The NCPA produced its own version in 2011.

The story is set in Seville, Spain in the 17th century. Young Count Almaviva falls in love with Rosina, a rich and beautiful girl. Nonetheless, the greedy Doctor Bartolo, Rosina's guardian, intends to marry her himself. Not knowing what to do next, Almaviva seeks help from the city barber Figaro, who loves meddling in other people's business.

The story culminates in the marriage of the Count Almaviva and Rosina after a series of funny adventures.

"This may not be the most complicated and gorgeous opera that I have watched, but is the most lovely one," a netizen wrote.

The setting is elaborate and each performer offers expressiveness, the netizen added.

Rico Saccani serves as the conductor. Figaro was performed by Mario Cassi and Zhou Zhengzhong. Count Almaviva was performed by Xabier Anduaga and Yang Zhuolun. Rosina was performed by Cecilia Molinari and Wang Hongyao. The performance started on Wednesday.