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La donna del Lago 2013

La donna del Lago 2013

July 13 - August 14, 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.

Music By
Gioachino Rossini
Libretto By
Andrea Leone Tottola

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 headshot

Joyce DiDonato

Mezzo-soprano

Elena

Lawrence Brownlee headshot

Lawrence Brownlee

Tenor

Giacomo V

Marianna Pizzolato headshot

Marianna Pizzolato

Mezzo-soprano

Malcom Groeme

Wayne Tigges headshot

Wayne Tigges

Bass

Douglas d'Angus

René Barbera headshot

René Barbera

Tenor

Rodrigo di Dhu

Lacy Sauter headshot

Lacy Sauter

Soprano

Albina

Joshua Dennis headshot

Joshua Dennis

Tenor

Serano

David Blalock headshot

David Blalock

Tenor

Bertram

Stephen Lord headshot

Stephen Lord

Conductor

Paul Curran headshot

Paul Curran

Director

Kevin Knight headshot

Kevin Knight

Scenic & Costume Designer

Duane Schuler headshot

Duane Schuler

Lighting Designer

Susanne Sheston headshot

Susanne Sheston

Chorus Director