Watch “The Elixir of Love” Opera Live on France.tv: A Masterpiece by Gaetano Donizetti, Broadcasted Online and in 50 Towns in Western France

This Thursday, June 15, at 8 p.m., immerse yourself in the captivating world of the opera “L’Élixir d’amour”, a masterpiece by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, broadcast live on our France.tv platform. Since its premiere in 1832, this opera has captivated hearts and enchanted minds. Don’t miss the last performance filmed on the stage of Angers Nantes Opéra, at the Graslin theatre.

After the successful broadcasts of “The Flying Dutchman” (2019), “La Chauve-Souris” (2021) and “Madame Butterfly” (2022), France 3 Pays de la Loire continues to share the greatest operas with Angers-Nantes -Opera. This Thursday at 8 p.m., dive into the world of “The Elixir of Love”, this opera in two acts by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti (1882). Once again, France Télévisions is committed to making opera accessible to a wide audience, by broadcasting it online and on giant screens in Nantes, Angers, Rennes and in 50 towns in western France. This show, co-produced by Angers Nantes Opéra, Opéra de Rennes and Opéra national de Lorraine, has already delighted the public during its 11 performances in Angers, Rennes and Nantes.

The story takes place in a small Italian village, where the shy Nemorino, in love with the beautiful peasant Adina, finds himself facing a formidable rival: Sergeant Belcore. Desperate, he appeals to a charlatan named Dulcamara who sells him a love elixir that is supposed to win Adina’s heart. Thus begins a tangle of emotions, misunderstandings and adventures, giving rise to situations that are sometimes funny, sometimes touching.

“The Elixir of Love” is above all a celebration of love and the human condition. Through hauntingly beautiful arias and duets, the opera explores universal themes of unrequited love, jealousy, hope and personal transformation.

When Gaetano Donizetti embarked on the composition of “The Elixir of Love”, he was already 34 years old and had 37 operas to his credit (he would write 71 in total). In the spring of 1832, Alessandro Lanari, a renowned impresario of the Teatro de la Canobbiana in Milan, a direct rival of La Scala, urgently needed a new opera for his programming.

This is how Donizetti was chosen to compose this work, accompanied by his faithful librettist for ten years, Felice Romani. The libretto would have been written in just one week, and the music composed in barely two weeks! Donizetti’s music is truly a delight for the ears. His melodies are rich, lyrical and expressive, carried by a subtle and elegant orchestration.

Famous arias, such as “Una furtiva lagrima” sung by Nemorino, evoke a range of emotions ranging from melancholy to ecstasy. It was thanks to Caruso’s wonderful interpretation that this opera was revived at the Metropolitan in New York in 1904. The instrumental introduction, where the bassoons play the tune, is simply irresistible.

Original recording of the aria “Una furtiva lagrima” by tenor Caruso at the Metropolitan of New York (1904)

The productions of “L’Élixir d’amour” often give directors the opportunity to give free rein to their creativity. This is the case here with the very visual and contemporary staging by David Lescot. A theater man and musician, he breathes life into Donizetti’s characters in a joyful, earthy and pleasant atmosphere. The picturesque sets and colorful costumes transform the opera and offer a new perspective to this timeless story, revealing the beauty and relevance of Donizetti’s work.

Whether you are new to opera or an avid fan, “The Elixir of Love” is an unforgettable experience that touches the depths of your soul. It is a hymn to love, joy and the power of music to transcend the barriers of language and human emotions. Whether performed in major international opera houses or broadcast through the media, this opera continues to seduce and move audiences around the world, testifying to its timeless status and irresistible charm.

►”The Elixir of Love”, an opera to see live and in replay, Thursday June 15 from 8:00 p.m. on france.tv

ELIXIR OF LOVE Duration: 2h35
In Italian, with French surtitles

Musical direction Chloé Dufresne
Directed by David Lescot
Assistant director Mona Taïbi
Costumes Mariane Delayre
Lights Paul Beaureilles
Video Serge Meyer
Scenography Alwyne by Dardel
Livret Felice Romani
Nemorino Giulio Pelligra / Mathias Vidal, tenor
Adina Maria Grazia Schiavo / Perrine Madoeuf, soprano
Belcore Marc Scoffoni, baritone
Dulcamara Giorgio Caoduro, baryton
Giannetta Marie-Bénédicte Souquet, soprano

Co-production: Angers Nantes Opera, Rennes Opera, National Opera of Lorraine

National Orchestra of Brittany
Chamber Choir Melism(s)
Gildas Pungier, choir director