The season’s final premiere of the Latvian National Opera, Gaetano Donizetti's comic opera "L'elisir d'amore" will take place on May 23rd. The production is created by Music Director Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and the distinguished German director Sven-Eric Bechtolf, whose productions have been showcased in major European opera houses. The visual imagery of the production is created by set and costume designer Julian Crouch and lighting designer Māris Sējāns.

Gaetano Donizetti's comic opera “L'elisir d'amore” premiered in Milan in 1832. This is the third time it is being staged at the Latvian National Opera. The main character of the opera, Nemorino is madly in love with the Adina, but he lacks the courage to confess his feelings to her. Oh, if only there was a magical potion that could open Adina's beautiful eyes and let her see Nemorino's undying love! Alas, the travelling salesman Dr. Dulcamara happens to have the necessary concoction in his collection. However, the effect of the potion isn’t quite what Nemorino had in mind... The amusing misunderstandings, portrayed in the opera, will lead one to the conclusion that true love is a celestial force that overcomes all obstacles.

"The genre of “L'elisir d'amore” is described as melodramma giocoso or funny melodrama.  May seem that these concepts do not go well together. But the title is very precise because the opera has a certain sadness and a great part of humour. It is funny, sad, melancholic, at times philosophical, at times sarcastic, sharp, witty, sentimental, and romantic. It is constructed very cleverly," says director Sven-Eric Bechtolf.

“”L'elisir d'amore” is one of the greatest examples of opera buffa in the history of music. Here, arias rich in beautiful melodies intertwine with comic and lively duets, as well as wonderful ensembles. The role of the chorus is also significant, characterising the atmosphere of the village. When staging “L'elisir d'amore”, it was crucial to avoid clichés and exaggerated, artificial acting, often associated with comic opera. In our production, we strove to create more ordinary and less caricatured characters, placing an emphasis on their inner values. Although the action is set in the early 20th century, the situations and characters are easy to recognise from a contemporary perspective too,” describes conductor Mārtiņš Ozoliņš.

In this production, audiences will have the opportunity to meet a brilliant ensemble of soloists. The role of Dulcamara will be portrayed by Hungarian opera singer Peter Kálmán - one of the most dynamic bass-baritones of today with a wide repertoire. He is highly regarded for both his roles in the Italian buffo tradition and dramatic roles. Kálmán is a frequent guest on significant opera stages worldwide, and his debut will take place next season at both the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Latvian National Opera audiences will be introduced to the new soprano Lubov Karetnikova (Adina), who holds a master's degree from the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, having previously studied at the Latvian Academy of Music and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. After a longer break, Mihails Čuļpajevs (Nemorino) will return to the Latvian National Opera stage, having sung leading roles in opera houses in Germany, Scandinavia, and Chile in recent seasons. The role of Giannetta will be portrayed by this year's winner of the Great Music Award, Latvian audience favourite singer Katrīna Paula Felsberga. The role of Nemorino will also be sung also by tenor Pablo Martínez, whom Latvian audiences have already met in the operas "La cenerentola" and "Don Pasquale." The cast also includes soloists from the Latvian National Opera, Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, Rinalds Kandalincevs, Rihards Millers, Rihards Mačanovskis, as well as the young singer Laura Kancāne. During the preparation process for the production, the experienced Italian language teacher Massimiliano Bullo worked with the soloists.

This season, the following performances of "L'elisir d'amore" are scheduled for May 24th and 25th, as well as June 8th, and 16th.

Tickets for "L'elisir d'amore" can be purchased at the Latvian National Opera box office and online.