The Elixir of Love selected scenes by San Francisco Opera

Donizetti's charming comedy is a celebration of innocence, so what setting could be better than a small Italian-American community in the Napa Valley, circa 1915? In this ingenious update, the naïve Nemorino believes that a love potion will win him Adina's heart. Blossoming from a shy Italian immigrant to a plucky entrepreneur, he captures both his sweetheart and the American dream over the course of this delightful opera buffa. Tenor Ramón Vargas superbly embodies the role of the lovesick Nemorino, "which he sang with ardent lyricism and affecting poignancy" at the Met, according to The New York Times. The beautiful Adina is sung by the stunning Inva Mula, whose "agile voice" The New York Times praised for its "lovely timbre and a natural fluidity."

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Elixir
• of
• Love
• Elisir
• San
• Francisco
• Opera
• Donizetti
• Inva
• Mula
• Ramón
• Vargas
• Giorgio
• Caoduro
• Alessandro
• Corbelli

[danbar73]

For the enjoyment of fans and education of media critics who seem too conflicted or handicapped to give praise even when well-deserved,I'm quoting a SF Chronicle review of Ramon Vargas' performance in this production : " Tenor Ramon Vargas gave a ravishing performance of Nemorino-his tone bright and fluid, his technique effortlessly precise and his comic presence winning but unobtrusive. Vargas' rendition of "Una Furtiva Lagrima" was marked by lustrous sound and generous, arching phrases,

[hotwetspeedo]

glad i saw this last saturday and it was truly wonderful. the closeups and views from different angles shown on the scrim in front of the balcony certainly heightened the presence of these charismatic singers, especially vargas, whose nemorino i thought was a complete character. the stage action was skillfully executed and very engaging. i found myself very amused by the two principal's obvious relish in their give and take rapport. it was truly an ensemble performance not to be missed.

[DCFunBud]

Just wonderful!  How lucky are the people of San Francisco!

[nezha68]

Bravo Inva Mula - Albania another great performance.

[oscarnotwild]

Simply the best! What a dream cast leading by Sr. Vargas. Thank you very much Mr.Gockley for bring this wonderful production to SFO! People in SF, you are so lucky and please go to the opera house and it will be a great shame to miss this.

[danbar73]

SF Chronicle cont... Vargas' rendition of "Una Furtiva Lagrima" was marked by lustrous sound and generous, arching phrases, as well as a dazzlingly long-held approach to the final cadence. But he staked his claim to greatness right from the start, bringing out the unquenchable ardor of the opening "Quanto e bella, quanto e cara" and lavishing sumptuous lyricism on the two Act1 duets with Adina."

[WillSing]

Beautiful as always Ramon!!! Wish I could be there to see it!