Meet the Artists

David Walton, tenor
as Almaviva

Andrew Wilkowske, baritone
as Bartolo

Katherine Henly, soprano
as Berta

D: Determined, Transparent, Adaptable

A: Curmudgeonly, Garrulous, and Selfish

K: Judgmental, busybody, romantic

D: This is such an all encompassing role of drama, passion, and comedy so it’s a challenge to keep the theatrical energy through the whole show. It’s really fun to get a laugh now and then, but comedy has to be delivered precisely. There is so much vocal coloratura in addition to being on stage about 80% of the show. The trio at the end is the greatest reward for me, and getting to the finale always brings me joy and relief. 

A: Bartolo is deliriously cranky, and it is really fun to lean into how aggravated he is at everything all the time! The main challenge of this role is the thousands of words you have to spit in rapid-fire succession. It is like jumping onto a moving freight train. 

K: It’s only a joy – I love a role that allows me to play with some physical and situational comedy while also singing great music. Berta has the capacity for all of it – to play and cause some trouble, and to have fun with some iconic and really fun Rossini. The biggest challenge in Rossini is always delivering the text and many notes at thrilling tempi, it’s a challenge that I feel brings all of us together across the footlights – when I sit in the audience for Rossini I am rooting for the singers, and when I am on stage singing it, it feels like all of us in the cast and orchestra are in this amazing relay race together. 

D: True love conquers all. It’s clear that Almaviva is really in search of someone who loves him not for his class but his character. It can be powerful to see someone of nobility break the mold of tradition and discover their own authenticity 

A: I think the theme of a young band of really smart people outsmarting and foiling a rich villain is a very timely theme for some reason. 

K:  I think there are some universal themes that have kept audiences enjoying The Barber of Seville since 1816 – love overcoming all obstacles and social standing, the joy of watching the best laid plans both going well and going very wrong and how the characters navigate their way through. In a way it reminds me of the show The White Lotus – you meet these distinct personalities who then are thrown together and pushed to their limits and reveal their foibles. and we as the audience get to watch them scheme and fumble their way through, maybe seeing a bit of ourselves in their highs and lows. 

D: I think we all, both audiences and performers, need a good laugh these days. Hopefully it’s encouraging to see folks of different cultures and classes join forces for good. 

A: The music of Rossini, especially in The Barber of Seville, is like a glass of champagne. It is light and bubbly. The cast that MN Opera has is absolutely spellbinding. I hope that the audience gets swept away in the mix of virtuosic singing and intoxicating music, and can forget about the outside world for a few hours. 

K: I hope every audience member leaves the theater lighter and joyful from the thrill of a night of Rossini, and I hope they feel inspired to meet their own challenges in life – whether they may be scheming to outwit their own metaphorical Doctor Bartolo, or working to keep up with the quick pace of life the way we’ll be working to deliver our coloratura at the quick pace of Rossini.

D: I live here! I’m so excited to be home with my family, see familiar faces in the audience, and sing with so many friends in the Twin Cities. 

A: I live in St. Paul, so I am loving getting be be home while performing this show! I am excited to plan my daughter’s graduation party.

K: This time is extra special because I am here with my 4 month old son, and getting to introduce him to all of the wonderful people and places I hold dear! It’s hard to single out one thing, so I’ll say: the people, the music, the food, the beautiful nature – I’m so happy to be here for all of it!