
La donna del Lago 2013
The glories of bel canto on full display…
The brooding hills of Scotland have held a special attraction for composers starting with Rossini, whose La donna del Lago was the first opera to be based on a novel by Sir Walter Scott. This dramatic tale remains Scott’s best-plotted love story…and Rossini’s most romantic opera.
Synopsis
Act I
Dawn at Loch Katrine: Elena, the Lady of the Lake, makes her daily crossing while shepherds watch their flocks and men hunt in the woods. She sings of her love for Malcolm Groeme, but comes across King James disguised as “Uberto,” who hoped to meet the legendary beauty Elena. Believing the King to be a lost hunter, she offers him hospitality and they depart for her home while the King’s men search for their disguised leader.
King James learns that Elena’s father is Douglas d’Angus, his former tutor who has since joined the Highland Clan opposed to James’s rule. He also learns of Elena’s betrothal to Rodrigo di Dhu, chief of the Highland Clan, but his jealousy is assuaged upon seeing Elena’s lukewarm reaction to the prospect of her marriage. Malcolm, the suitor whom Elena loves, arrives shortly after James departs. Still, he must endure overhearing Douglas order his daughter to marry Rodrigo, as he commands. Douglas exits, leaving Malcolm and Elena to pledge their everlasting love.
The Highland warriors gather to welcome their leader Rodrigo, who introduces Elena as his future bride once she and Douglas arrive. Malcolm has since resolved to join the Clan, but his secret bond with Elena is perceived by Douglas and Rodrigo when they meet. They are interrupted, however, by news of attack by the king’s army. Rodrigo and his warriors depart for battle.
Artists

Joyce DiDonato
Mezzo-soprano
Elena

Lawrence Brownlee
Tenor
Giacomo V

Marianna Pizzolato
Mezzo-soprano
Malcom Groeme

Wayne Tigges
Bass
Douglas d'Angus

René Barbera
Tenor
Rodrigo di Dhu

Lacy Sauter
Soprano
Albina

Joshua Dennis
Tenor
Serano

David Blalock
Tenor
Bertram

Stephen Lord
Conductor

Paul Curran
Director

Kevin Knight
Scenic & Costume Designer

Duane Schuler
Lighting Designer

Susanne Sheston
Chorus Director