THE BARBER OF SEVILLE CAST BIOS
Composer: Gioachino Rossini

Shirin Eskandani, mezzo-soprano

Iranian Canadian mezzo soprano Shirin Eskandani is an avid performer on both the operatic and recital stage.  Recent roles includeMedoro in Handel’s Orlando, Carmen in La Tragedie de Carmen, Ruggiero in Alcina, andMercedes in Carmen.  As a soloist she has performed in numerous works including Bach’s Matthaus-Passion, Handel’s Messiah, and Durufle’s Requiem. She has premiered several works including The Oratorio to End all Oratorios with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s performance of Handel’s Messiah. 

A frequent recitalist, Ms. Eskandani has performed in numerous concerts in Canada, the United States, Europe and the Middle East. In 2005, she had the honor of performing as a featured soloist for the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Shirin Ebadi. 

Ms. Eskandani has worked as a young artist with Syracuse Opera, the Ash Lawn Opera Festival, Green Mountain Opera and the Banff Centre.  This summer she will be covering the role of Geneviève in Pelléas and Mélisande at Opera Theatre of St. Louis.