L’elisir d’amore

Opera in Two Acts

Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love), one of the brightest examples of the opera buffa genre, was staged at the Latvian National Opera by the distinguished Austrian director Sven-Eric Bechtolf. The music director of the production is Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, Chief Conductor of the Latvian National Opera.

Premiered in Milan in 1832, the opera tells the story of the ingenuous Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with the intelligent and independent Adina yet lacks the courage to confess his feelings. In desperation, Nemorino places his hopes in a miraculous love potion offered by the travelling quack doctor Dulcamara — but the potion turns out to have quite different effects than he expects. A chain of humorous misunderstandings follows, ultimately revealing the simple truth: true love is stronger than any magic elixir.

True to the melodramma giocoso tradition, L’elisir d’amore deftly interweaves playful humour, gentle sensitivity and a touch of mellow melancholy. Donizetti’s score is rich in lyrical arias, sparkling duets and lively ensembles; the chorus also plays a vital role, creating the vivid atmosphere of a village community.
The production is set in the early 20th century, yet the situations and emotions of the characters remain immediately recognisable to contemporary audiences.

World premiere of the opera: 12 May 1832 at the Teatro della Canobbiana, Milan
Premiere at the Latvian National Opera: 23 May 2024

Language: Italian
Surtitles: Estonian

Guest performances at the Vanemuine Grand Building:
25.08.2026 – G. Donizetti’s opera L’elisir d’amore
26.08.2026 – Edward Clug’s ballet Carmina Burana to the music of Carl Orff