A jewel of the bel canto Golden Age, L’Elisir d’Amore is presented in celebration of Hong Kong City Hall’s 60th Anniversary.

As part of the celebration festivities of the 60th Anniversary of Hong Kong City Hall, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has invited Musica Viva to stage L’Elisir d’Amore (‘The Elixir of Love’), a two-act opera buffa (comic opera) by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848) with a libretto by Felice Romani (1788-1865), after Eugéne Scribe’s (1791-1861) libretto for Daniel Auber’s (1782-1871) Le Philtre. The decision to restage this beloved opera is a particularly meaningful one, as it was the first full-scale Western opera ever presented at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall back in 1968. Professor Lo Kingman produced and directed the production himself at the time, and Professor Lo is proudly returning as the producer and director for this special production of a timeless romantic comedy.

L’Elisir d’Amore is filled with music of mellifluous and melodic beauty, representing the finest achievement of Italian comic opera during the Golden Age of the bel canto style. The plot is fast-moving and filled with delightful twists at each turn, as all of the action occurs within a single day. The simple-minded Nemorino is desperately in love with the rich and pretty Adina, even though she has never paid him any attention. When Sergeant Belcore arrives with his squadron and immediately begins to woo Adina, Nemorino is left with only one option. Nemorino turns to Dulcamara, a travelling quack doctor, who is quick to sell the lovesick Nemorino the titular Elixir of Love. Will Sergeant Belcore win Adina’s affections? Will Adina ever notice Nemorino? And will Nemorino ever find out that the Elixir is just cheap wine?

Five main characters in this romantic comedy will be shared among two casts of international and local talents.

L’Elisir d’Amore is one of the most-performed operas worldwide, and Musica Viva is proud to present this classic in Hong Kong. This fully-staged opera, brimming with heart and humour, is sure to delight audiences with the combination of its classic themes and Lo’s creative direction. Alongside Lo as producer and director, the production features Vivian Ip as conductor, with set designs by Isaac Wong, costume designs by Andrew Cheung, and lighting design by Zoe Cheung.

Two casts of talented international and local singers will be taking the stage in this beloved opera buffa. Starring Manuel Amati and Norman Shankle as the lovesick Nemorino, lee Sang-Eun and Ilaria Vanacore as the vivacious Adina, and Enrico Marabelli and Burak Bilgili as the dishonest Dulcamara. The cast is rounded out by Isaac Droscha and Frankie Fung as the brash Sergeant Belcore and Vivian Yau and Vicki Wu as the sassy Giannetta.

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Notes

  1. For more details of the programme, cast, opera talk and various discount schemes, please refer to the programme leaflet or visit the following website: musicavivahk.org
  2. For interview requests, media and press related enquiries, please contact Terry Lee by email at terrylee@musicvivahk.org or by phone at 6196 6262.

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L’Elisir d’Amore

An opera buffa in 2 acts performed in Italian with Chinese and English subtitles

Date & Time:

  • 28/1 (Friday), 7:30 pm
  • 29/1 (Saturday), 2:30pm, 7:30 pm
  • 30/1 (Sunday), 2:30 pm

Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall

Tickets available for purchase at URBTIX from 1 December 2021.

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