The University of Utah’s Lyric Opera Ensemble will perform Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” with the Paradigm Chamber this upcoming weekend.
Boasting dramatic Italian roots, “L’Elisir d’Amore” is a two-act comic opera originally debuted in 1832 Milan, with music by Gaetano Donizetti and lyrics by Felice Romani.
“L’Elisir d’Amore” or “The Elixir of Love” is the story of Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with Adina, who loves him as well. She feigns affection for a pompous army sergeant Belcore as well, however, to tease Nemorino and force him to take a stand. In order to capture her affections, Nemorino puts all of his faith and money into a love potion sold by the quack doctor Dulcamara, which turns out to be only cheap wine, and true feelings are revealed. The story is sung in Italian with English subtitles provided.
“Many people think that opera is boring and uninteresting. This is the exact opposite. A lot of funny and sweet things happen in this story,” said director Anthony Buck. “And a lot of goofy things as well…we are going to drive a golf cart onto the stage.”
Buck, a doctoral student at the U in Music studying Voice and Opera Direction said, “This is a beautiful story with gorgeous music that a lot of people can relate to and enjoy.”
“Opera is an entirely unique and magical way to experience stories richly through both sight and sound,” said Garrett Medlock, lead tenor in the role of Nemorino.
Keanu Aiono-Netzler, a chorus member in the performance agreed, saying, “It’s a great opportunity to come and experience an art form that I feel like is sometimes underappreciated and not enjoyed by many students from our generation.”
The five lead roles will be sung by U students as will the chorus roles. Lisa Zimmerman and Genevieve Gannon alternate as Adina, and Garrett Medlock and Gregory Garrison alternate as Nemorino. Daniel Johnson sings Belcore, Andrew Neumayer sings Dr.Dulcamara, and Dana Wroth and Kahli Dalbow sing Gianetta.
The orchestration will be provided by Joel Rosenberg’s Paradigm Chamber Orchestra. This will be the first of two performances scheduled for this year in which the Paradigm Orchestra will be accompanying the Lyric Opera Ensemble.
“This is a unique opportunity to hear masterful music by our incredibly talented cast of singers and a distinguished orchestra,” said Medlock.
“L’Elisir d’Amore” also boasts a strong female role, atypical for the classic opera. “The leading lady [in this opera] is a strong, spunky girl,” said Buck. “She is the most powerful person in the opera.”
“This opera is an amazing opportunity to experience near-professional quality theatre and music for free,” said Medlock.
For students unfamiliar with music or opera in particular, “L’Elisir d’Amore” is a prime story to begin your experience. “You need to know how much fun going to the opera can be,” said Buck.
“I can’t wait to show our audiences how much fun we all had preparing this opera,” said Medlock.
The Opera will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 24-25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Libby Gardner Concert Hall. The event is free to students with their Ucard, General Admission is $12.50 and students (other than those from the U) is $6.