L’elisir d’amore

Opera by Gaetano Donizetti in two acts

Libretto by Felice Romani after Eugène Scribe’s text for Daniel-François-Esprit Auber’s “Le Philtre”
World premiere on May 12, 1832 (Milano Teatro Cannobiana)
Premiere at the Estonian National Opera on May 15, 2014

PERFORMANCES DATES
T, 22 January 2015 / 19:00
S, 31 January 2015 / 19:00
S, 21 February 2015 / 19:00
S, 28 February 2015 / 19:00

Sung in Italian with subtitles in Estonian and English
Approx. running time 2,5 h
On Jan 22 & 31 and Feb 21 & 28 2015 Nemorino sung by Cataldo Caputo (Italy)

Written in a few weeks’ time, “L’elisir d’amore” has become one of the most frequently performed of all Gaetano Donizetti’s operas together with “Lucia di Lammermoor” (1835) and “Don Pasquale” (1843). It combines a touching love story and hilarious comedy with lightness, sparkling wit and beautiful music, including the well-loved tenor aria “Una furtiva lagrima”. Its premiere in Milan in 1832 was a triumph and secured Donizetti’s place as one of the leading Italian opera composers of his day. “L’elisir d’amore” relies on the traditions of the 18th century opera buffa and offers an ear-tickling delight for all lovers of 19th century Italian bel canto.

Young, naive Nemorino loves the rich and capricious Adina, who is indifferent to his affection. A travelling quack physician Dulcamara convinces Nemorino to spend the last of his money on an infallible love potion that is really a bottle of wine. Despite Nemorino’s efforts, Adina remains unmoved and enjoys the courting of Belcore, a mafia-leader. In desperation, Nemorino enlists with the troop in order to purchase a second bottle of the love potion. Deeply moved by Nemorino’s dedication to win her love, Adina finally admits to herself that she also has feelings for him and buys back his commission. What miracles a bottle of bordeaux can work!

Georg Malvius has directed more that 60 plays, 70 musicals and 20 operas in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, England, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg Austria, Monaco, Hungary and elsewhere. In Estonia, Malvius has staged 14 musical and drama productions.

Staging team

Conductors: Vello Pähn, Risto Joost, Lauri Sirp
Stage Director: Georg Malvius (Sweden)
Designer: Ellen Cairns (Scotland)
Lighting Designer: Palle Palmé (Sweden)
Choreographer: Adrienne Åbjörn (Sweden)

Cast:

Nemorino: Cataldo Caputo (Italy), Oliver Kuusik, Andres Köster
Adina: Kadri Kipper, Kristel Pärtna
Belcore: Rauno Elp, Aare Saal, René Soom
Dulcamara: Pavlo Balakin, Rauno Elp
Giannetta: Janne Ševtšenko, Olga Zaitseva