Don Pasquale
Of Donizetti's late works, only Don Pasquale immediately found a permanent place in the repertoire. The great success of the opera, which premiered in Paris in 1843, is based on the proven situation comedy of opera buffa. A genre that Donizetti, with his brilliantly orchestrated score, later blossomed into.
Don Pasquale has decided to marry in his old age and wants to disinherit his nephew Ernesto in order to dissuade him from his love for the penniless widow Norina. With his sister Sofronita, the clever Doctor Malatesta has apparently found just the right woman for Don Pasquale and is arranging the wedding. But no sooner have the two signed the marriage contract than Sofronita makes Don Pasquale's life hell and threatens to ruin him. Finally, the comedic intrigue flies up: Sofronita turns out to be Norina, Don Pasquale shows understanding and gives the two young lovers his blessing.
As Ernesto, our revival with Javier Camarena presents one of the most distinguished bel canto tenors of our time. Audience favorite Carlos Chausson sings the title role, and Aleksandra Kurzak, celebrated as Gilda in our Rigoletto , takes on the role of Norina.
