L’Elisir d’amore to premiere in Manila

That intoxicating feeling of love is in the air as one of the world’s most beloved operas, Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore, finally gets its Manila premiere with a limited two performance run this October 7 & 8, 2017 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For years, small, abridged concert stagings have been performed in here but a full production of this opera has never been done. Now, thanks to the Rustan Commercial Corporation, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and The Peninsula Manila, in cooperation with the Philippine-Italian Association under the auspices of the Italian Embassy that this is seeing the light of day.

Nemorino (David Astorga) hangs on to Adina's (Elena Monti) every word

This production boasts of an international cast led by Italian soprano Elena Monti (Adina), Costa Rican tenor David Astorga (Nemorino), and Italian bass Francesco Vultaggio (Dulcamara). Korean baritone Byeong-In Park (Belcore) and our very own Rachelle Gerodias-Park (Gianetta) round up the cast. They will be joined by Coro Tomasino under Ronan Ferrer and Philippine Ballet Theatre under Anatoly Panasyukov.

Providing live music is the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of former principal conductor/music director Ruggiero Barbieri.

Dulcamara (Francesco Vultaggio) making outrageous claims

I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek and watch the technical dress rehearsal. It is so tempting to describe what I saw and heard in detail and also to post a lot more photos in here but that would be  telling. I want others to see the opera for themselves. All I can say is that David’s Una furtiva lagrima was so exquisite that there were shouts of bravo from the small number of audience present and those at the wings after he finished the famous aria.

This may sound trivial but for me it’s extremely vital: thank goodness that there will be a real harp in this, or else, Una furtiva… will be ruined.

Belcore (Byeong-In Park) proposes a toast at his wedding

Director Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini leads the artistic and production team along with Direction Consultant Sisowath Ravivaddhana Monipong. Completing the team are Maurizio Varamo (Set Design), Flavio Monti (Set Project Assistant), Otello Camponeschi (Costume Design), and Giovanni Pirandello (Lighting Design).  

Gianetta (Rachelle Gerodias-Park) spreading gossip

This production of L’Elisir d’amore is in celebration of the 70^th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Italy as well at the 65^th Sapphire Anniversary of the Rustan Group of Companies. This project is made possible through the sponsorship of Royal Duty Free Shops, Hermes, Debenhams, Rustan Marketing Corporation, Rustan Supercenters, Inc., Megaworld, and Bergamo.

This opera fundraiser is produced by Zenaida R. Tantoco with Nestor O. Jardin and Dr. Raul M. Sunico as Executive Producers. Proceeds from this will benefit the construction of the San Pablo Apostol Parish Church in Tondo, Manila.

Nemorino (David Astorga) sings Una furtiva lagrima

Gala Night performance of L’Elisir d’amore is on October 7, 2017, 8:00 PM and the matinee performance is on October 8, 2017, 3:00 PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

Metropolitan Opera in HD: L’Elisir d’Amore

It was a breath of fresh air as things took to a comedic turn with screening of the Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater). This screening was the latest in the series of Metropolitan Opera productions shown in high definition over at the CCP and it was a welcome change from the tragic operas (Aida and Rigoletto) by Giuseppe Verdi that were shown previously.

Watching this opera felt like I was watching a contemporary romantic comedy film with all the familiar elements and trappings of the genre. Russian soprano Anna Netrebko portrays Adina, the strong willed farm owner which I think might be a very radical notion at the time. Pining for her is the simple Nemorino portrayed by Tenor Matthew Polenzani who thinks that the woman he adores is too unreachable for the likes of him. Making things more complicated for Nemorino is the entry of a rival who also longs for Adina, sergeant Belcore, portrayed by baritone Mariusz Kwiecień. Nemorino thinks that he has found a solution through the love potion made by the quack Dulcamara, played by Ambrogio Maetsri. But in true comedy fashion, things do not usually work out as planned since the potion is nothing more than cheap wine. More complications arise offering more comedic moments for an intoxicated Nemorino. But in the end, everything is settled and falls into place without any casualties and everybody lives happily ever after.

One cannot talk about L’Elisir d’Amore without mentioning Una furtiva lagrima, the show stopping aria sung by Nemorino during the second act when he realizes that Adina might have already started falling in love with him. This particular scene was very picturesque as Nemorino sang it amid the wheat fields in the middle of the night. In fact, this production is defined by the sets that looked like paintings done in rustic and earthy tones by set designer Michael Yeargan. My only complaint regarding the sets was that some of the transitions were distracting especially when some of the characters were removing and placing set pieces while there was still something happening with the main characters on stage.

The behind the scenes footage in this production was hosted by soprano Deborah Voigt. I think that the most interesting tidbit that they showed in here was the preparation of actual food that was used as props during the banquet scene. And sadly, I noticed that it was only Adina/Netrebko who was able to grab a bite of the chicken served during this scene. Excerpts from upcoming opera productions were also shown but sadly, they aren’t included in the line up to be screened at the CCP.

This Metropolitan Opera production of L’Elisir d’Amore was directed by Bartlett Sher directed while the orchestra was conducted by Maurizio Benini. The remaining Metropolitan Opera in HD screenings at the CCP are Maria Stuarda showing on July 9, 2013 and The Tempest showing on August 20, 2013.

Russian soprano Anna Netrebko stars in Met Opera's L'Elisir d'Amore screening at the CCP

May 28, 2013, 2:00 & 7:00 PM

Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

CCP Complex

Pasay, Metro Manila

After the drama and the tragedy in Aida and Rigoletto, things take a light and comedic turn as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Opera, in cooperation with the Opera Guild Foundation of the Philippines, present the high definition screening of L’Elisir d’Amore this May 28, 2013, 2:00 and 7:00 PM at the CCP’s Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

This screening of L’Elisir d’Amore, an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti, is the latest in the series of Metropolitan Opera productions to be shown in high definition video and Dolby Surround sound at the CCP. This production stars Russian soprano Anna Netrebko, currently one of opera’s biggest stars in the role of Adina. Joining Netrebko in this opera include Matthew Polenzani portraying the role of Nemorino, Mariusz Kwiecień as the sergeant Belcore, and Ambrogio Maestri essaying the role of Dulcamara. Bartlett Sher directs while Maurizio Benini conducts in this production.

This will be my first time to see a work of Donizetti and I’m looking forward to see how L’Elisir d’Amore is similar and/or different to operas by other Italian composers like Verdi and Puccini. And I think that it’s about time that I get to watch an opera wherein the female lead doesn’t end up dead. Una furtiva lagrima is said to be the most popular aria in the opera although I am not familiar with it. But I’ll get to hear it within context come May 28, 2013.

Subsequent Met Opera HD screenings include Maria Stuarda on July 9, 2013 and The Tempest on August 20, 2013.

Ticket price:

P500

-50% student discount

-20% senior citizen discount

For inquiries:

CCP Box Office 832-3704, 832-1125 local 1409

TicketWorld 891-9999