The handsome young peasant Nemorino is hopelessly in love with Adina, but she barely gives him a glance. In fact, she seems enamored with the head of the local garrison, Sgt. Belcore, even going so far as to promise to marry him immediately. A desperate Nemorino resorts to “magic,” seeking help from Dr. Dulcamara, a charming con man, who guarantees him that one drink of a mysterious elixir will make Adina fall in love with him within 24 hours. In order to get the elixir (actually just an ordinary Bordeaux) to work faster and thereby prevent Adina’s impending marriage, Nemorino downs the entire bottle in one gulp. With charming twists and turns, love blossoms in all the right places.

One of the most popular works of the opera repertoire, The Elixir of Love has been an audience favorite since its debut in 1832. Composed by Donizetti in just two weeks, the opera skillfully balances comedy with poignancy and simplicity with detailed invention in a fresh, exhilarating example of bel canto. The score is filled with delightful arias, duets, and ensembles, including two hauntingly beautiful tenor arias for Nemorino, “Una furtiva lagrima” and “Quanto è bella.” The 19th-century Italian equivalent of a Broadway musical, The Elixir of Love is a delightful tale about the innocence of love that is sure to make audiences smile.

Sung in Italian with Eng. Supertitles
With the University Philharmonia Orchestra

Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Felice Romani
Conducted by Kirk Severtson
Directed by Chía Patiño