Donizetti’s sun-drenched, small-town comedy makes a joyful return in Annabel Arden’s production.
Extra content - L'elisir d'amore: explore with Alexandra
Opera Specialist Alexandra Coghlan talks to musicologist Dr Flora Willson and novelist Amanda Craig to explore Donizetti’s blissful big-hearted opera.
L'elisir d'amore was the Opera of the Month for June 2022.
Photo: Simon Annand
Sophisticated and wealthy, Adina is the toast of her small Italian town. Country boy Nemorino loves her, but she only has eyes for Belcore, the smooth-talking sergeant who has swept her off her feet.
So when a travelling doctor arrives in town Nemorino pins all his hopes on a magical love potion...
Donizetti's blissful big-hearted L'elisir d'amore throws an operatic spanner in the works, proving that comedy can be romantic too with a capital 'R' as well as a small one.
Alexandra Coghlan talks to musicologist Dr Flora Willson and novelist Amanda Craig to explore the opera.