The Elixir of Love by Donizetti, Sat 02 Jul 2022, From (2022/2022), Directed by Rory Fazan, Conductor Matthew O'Keeffe, Longhope Opera, Alton, United Kingdom

L’elisir d’amore, written in 1832 by Gaetano Donizetti and Felice Romani, was the most frequently performed opera in Italy between 1838 and 1848 and one can see why it remains popular in international opera repertory today. L’elisir d’amore follows Adina, the beautiful but capricious landowner, and Nemorino, the clumsy but lovable young man, through the ups and downs of their love story. Nemorino is madly in love with Adina and desperately purchases an “elixir” that will make her fall in love with him whilst Adina continuously holds him at arm’s length and even feigns marriage to the pompous Sergeant Belcore. Donizetti sprinkles this classic comic love story with beautiful bel canto arias, vocal fireworks and rousing ensemble writing.