Til death us do part
For the first time in over 30 years and for only the second time in the company’s history, State Opera South Australia presents Donizetti’s iconic Lucia di Lammermoor.
Based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, the story takes place in the Scottish Highlands. Fragile Lucia, caught between love and loyalty, is manipulated by the men around her. She is in love with Edgardo, her family’s sworn enemy. But her brother Enrico, determined to secure the family’s future, tricks her into marrying another wealthy man. Pushed to the limit, Lucia is driven to insanity and enacts her revenge in one of the most famous ‘mad scenes’ of the opera repertoire.
Emma Pearson (last seen with State Opera in Voss) is Lucia, the role that made Dame Joan Sutherland a star; Morgan Pearse returns to Adelaide after his turn in The Barber of Seville to play the unscrupulous Enrico; and Indian American tenor Alok Kumar makes his company debut as Edgardo.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra will be led by acclaimed Spanish Conductor Lucía Marín, appearing for the first time in Australia. Australian Director, Laura Hansford, leads the revival of this revered John Copley production, breathing new life into the gothic Scottish tragedy.
Lucia di Lammermoor has all the drama of a classic bel canto opera, rich in stratospheric vocal highs, coloratura fireworks and breath-taking ensembles. With sprawling sets, lavish costumes and a romance to die for, this is grand opera at its most glorious.
