Elixir of Love (Pocket Opera)

11 and 13 May 2023

Read published reviews here

Performance Information

Venue | Albert Hall
Approximate duration |  75 minutes


Each performance will be followed by a supper.

Buy tickets

Adults $55
Concession $45
Full time Students $20
Under 18 $10

Creatives

Composer | Gaetano Donizetti
Original Librettist | Felice Romani
English Librettist used in this production | David Parry

Director | Ylaria Rogers
Music Director | Leonard Weiss
Orchestra | Canberra Sinfonia

Principal Cast

Adina | Sarah Darnley-Stuart
Nemorino | Daniel Verschuer
Belcore | Sitiveni Talei
Dr Dulcamara |Matthew Avery
Gianetta | Elsa Huber

Short Synopsis of
The Elixir of Love 

In a small village, somewhere in Italy, a poor young man named Nemorino is hopelessly in love with the capricious and unobtainable Adina. He listens longingly as she reads aloud to her workers and guests the tale of Tristan and Isolde, whose love for one another was inflamed by the drinking of a magic potion. Adapted by Peter Coleman-Wright AO The Elixir of Love Pocket Opera, features all of the characters from the full opera, in a performance which lasts for around an hour and 15 minutes. National Opera’s production will be sung in English with libretto by famous conductor and librettist David Parry and directed by local artist Ylaria Rogers. Joining National Opera as the orchestra in its second collaboration with the company, will be Canberra Sinfoinia, conducted by Leonard Weiss.

More about the opera

Composed 1832.
First performed May 12, 1832.

Gaetano Donizetti is an Italian composer who has written more than 70 operas. This opera, “L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love),” is the most famous. The manager of Teatro alla Canobbiana in Milan requested Donizetti to compose an opera, and Donizetti completed composing this opera in only two weeks. Donizetti was well-known for writing operas quickly. The world premiere of this opera achieved a great success, so this opera was performed for a full month, which was remarkable for that time.

The story of this opera is a mere comedy with respect to the elixir of love. But you can listen to melodies which are filled with sorrow in this opera. You will be fascinated with a mysterious atmosphere between comedy and sorrow. The heroine, Adina, is not only a mere beautiful and rich lady but also a lady who has a tender heart. Nemorino is not only a mere young and poor villager but also a younger man who has passionate heart.  

There is no doubt that Nemorino’s aria, “Una furtiva lagrima (A Furtive Tear),” in act 2 is the most lyrical and famous aria in all operas. Some people want to listen only to this Tenor’s aria. But, this opera contains other wonderful arias and duets. 

About Pocket Operas

These Pocket Operas have been arranged by Peter Coleman-Wright AO and present a condensed version of an opera. Each opera is approximately 1 – 1.5 hours duration. They include the best bits as well as part of the opera that may not be as well known but are beautiful music.