Bravo! Brava! Bravissimo! for Nickel City Opera’s weekend performance of “The Barber of Seville” for its dual presentation of opera buffa in English and Italian. This thoroughly professional production featuring first-class singers, accompanied by a proficient orchestra (including harpsichordist Nancy Townsend), offered a totally engrossing experience to those who attended, including a visiting 7-year-old who makes his home in Rome, Italy. The lead female soprano, Nadia Petrella, to quote an early 19th century critic, “was a consummate singer while acting and a consummate actor while singing.”

It’s time for a resident opera company to return to the Buffalo Niagara area, offering opportunities not only for those who are unable to travel far afield, but also for students to experience opera as an art form. Hopefully Nickel City Opera, with the support of the local community, will build on this year’s productions and offer much more in the near future.

Sylvia Volk

Co-founder, OperaBuffs of WNY Buffalo