L'Elisir d' Amore (The Elixir of Love)
Donizetti’s wonderful and charming opera L’Elisir d’ Amore (The Elixir of Love) was a grand choice for the LA Opera’s season opening at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
It was one Italian opera full of gaiety and mirth as well as beautiful music.
Many opera buffs may have thought they would be disappointed when it was announced that popular tenor Rolando Villazon, who underwent vocal cord surgery, would be replaced by Giuseppe Filianoti in the role of Nemerino. But disappointed, I am certain, they could not have been when hearing the lyrical voice and seeing the wonderful stage presence of Filianoti. He did more than justice to the role of the simple peasant who loves the beautiful Adina, who makes mirth of his love. When the egotistical Sergeant Belcore (American baritone Nathan Gunn) arrives in town, he vies for the love of Adina who accepts his marriage proposal much to the consternation of Nemerino who wonders how he can make her love him. Then again, the famous Italian Bass, Ruggero Raimondi, who was to make his debut with the LA Opera Company, had to bow out due to a torn tendon. He was replaced by Italian baritone Georgio Caoduro (making his debut with the LA Opera Company) in the role of Doctor Dulcamara, the sly quack who sells Nemorino what he believes to be an elixir that will make Adina fall in love with him. Soprano Nino Machaidze from the Republic of Georgia performs the role of Adina in her United States debut. Besides having a glorious voice, she performs the part of Adina as a skilled actress.
The opera, under the direction of Stephen Lawless, the able orchestra directed by James Conlon, the large and talented cast, the lovely set and costumes and Donizetti’s music are all bundled together for an excellent production.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
Tickets: LA Opera Box Office, by phone at (213) 972-8001
online at www.laopera.com