Elixir of love at the National Opera
Gaetano Donizetti’s classic opera «L’Elisir d’Amore» (The Elixir of Love) opens at the National Opera this Sunday. A celebrated work of the Romantic period, it includes memorable moments, such as the «Una Furtiva Lacrima» aria. Donizetti (1797-1848) studied in Bergamo and began composing works during this time. His first opera, «Enrico di Borgogna» won him considerable success and between 1818 and 1829 he composed nearly 30 works. In 1830, the composer’s reputation was firmly established with «Anna Bolena». Following in the Italian tradition of the recitative, Donizetti composed 62 operas in all, including «Don Pasquale,» «Lucia di Lamermoor» (these two, along with «L’Elisir d’Amore,» form a love prelude), as well as «Maria Stuarda» and «La Fille du Regiment» (The Regiment’s Daughter). Balancing between comedy and operatic pathos, «L’Elisir d’Amore» was performed for the first time in 1832, to great critical acclaim. Here’s the story: In love with Adina, young Nemorino is trying to find a way to get close to her. Using his last coin, Nemorino buys what he believes to be a love elixir from Dulcamara, only the latter has sold him wine instead of the powerful potion. Adina, on the other hand, annoyed by Nemorino’s increasingly erratic behavior decides to marry his rival, Belcore. Just then, a clever twist in the plot drives them all topsy turvy. In the National Opera production, the musical direction is by Chrysanthos Alisafis and Miron Michailidis, stage direction is by Vassillis Anastasiou, stage and costume design by Giorgos Souglidis, choir direction by Fani Palamidi and choreography by Angleos Hadzis. Alternating in the role of Adina are Jenny Drivala and Martha Arapi. The role of Nemorino will be alternately interpreted by Antonis Koronaios and Nikos Stefanou, while Kyros Patsalidis and Aris Papayiannopoulos will play Belcore. Christoforos Staboglis and Dimitris Kasioumis will alternate as Dulcamara, and Maria Thoma and Chrysanthi Veloudaki will interpret Giannetta. Gaetano Donizetti’s «Elisir d’Amore,» will be performed at the National Opera’s Olympia Theater, 59-61 Academias, tel 010.361.1516. Sunday’s premiere will be followed by additional performances on May 8, 10, 11, and 12. Ernst & Young – Andersen merge
