Gioacchino Rossini’s riotous and eternally lampooned comic opera recounts the story of Count Almaviva’s seduction of the charming Rosina, held captive in the home of her elderly guardian, who intends to marry her himself. To gain access to Rosina, Almaviva seeks the services of Figaro, a barber who spends as much time scheming as he does shaving. Two of the lead roles are taken by singers making their COC debuts: Albanian mezzo-soprano Enkelejda Shkosa (Rosina) and Macedonian tenor Blagoj Nacoski (Almaviva). Russian baritone Rodion Pogossov appears as Figaro. Michael Patrick Albano directs; Miguel Harth-Bedoya and Steven Philcox share conducting duties.—Rick MacMillan