Washington Concert Opera presents Gioachino Rossini’s “Zelmira” at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University (730 21st St., N.W.) on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. 

“Zelmira” tells the story of Zelmira who goes on a mission to save her father, King Polidoro, from a murderous tyrant. This opera is one of a series of Rossini’s nine dramas titled the “Neapolitan Operas.” These operas are considered his best works and are praised for kickstarting the Italian Romantic opera. Spanish mezzo-soprano Silvia Tro Santafé will portray Zelmira, bel canto tenor Lawrence Brownlee will play Zelmira’s husband Ilo, mezzo soprano Vivica Genaux will portray Emma, bass-baritone Patrick Carfizzi will be King Polidoro and  bass-baritone Matthew Scollin will be Leucippo. Tickets range from $40-110. 

For more details, visit concertopera.org.