top of page

In Review: Ollarsaba and Ferrante in Virginia Opera's "Le nozze di Figaro"


“As the Count, bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba didn’t just have the tall-dark-and-handsome bit going for him, but also robust, flavorful, agile vocalism…he delivered his Act III aria with particular panache. Ollarsaba’s portrayal of the amoral aristocrat deftly conveyed a sense of entitlement as well as a telling bit of insecurity, making his gorgeously sculpted “Contessa, perdono” all the more affecting. . . Jason Ferrante made a delectable Basilio, obsessively toying with an errant strand of hair while oozing into scenes, and sang with admirable color and finesse (he even did funny stuff with a simple sibilant)." - Tim Smith Opera News


“In a good cast, the standout performance(s) came from bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba as the Count... He possesses an appealing voice matched by well-executed vocals and a commanding stage presence; he was an excellent choice for the role of the Count.” - Operagene


“Ollarsaba’s portrayal of the Count was outstanding. From the start there was an air of aristocratic entitlement with a whole lot of Al Bundy incompetence thrown in for good measure. “ - Dave Pearson digitalbeat magazine


“…Count Almaviva, marvelously played by bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba” - Page R. Laws Virginian-Pilot

bottom of page