The Barber of Seville (1944 film) "Swing Symphonies" for a year prior, Culhane would continue to direct entries in the series until 1946. A parody of Gioacchino Rossini's opera of the same name, "The Barber of Seville" is noted for its uses of speed, timing, and music synchronization. During the shaving of the second client, several shots are presented in rapid succession, some lasting only one-fourth of a second. Woody's demeanor and attitude are designed to match the music, during the famous "Figaro" portion of the tune, Woody splits into three, then four, then five instances of himself, in less than two seconds of screen time.
Opera Lyra Ottawa first fully staged opera, "Così fan tutte", performed in the Alumni Theatre at Carleton University. In 1986, the company moved into the National Arts Center's 897 seat Theatre, with a production of "The Barber of Seville". 1987 was Gilchrist's fourth year as Artistic Director and her final opera at the NAC was "The Elixir of Love", conducted by Dwight Bennett. Jeannette Aster became Artistic Director in 1987 when Gilchrist moved to Europe for professional engagements singing Queen of the Night, Zerbinetta and other coloratura roles. The 1990 production of "Madama Butterfly" marked the first time the company performed an opera