Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor

Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the most iconic works of the bel canto repertoire, showcasing Gaetano Donizetti’s masterful blend of lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity. Based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor, the opera tells a haunting tale of love, political rivalry, and psychological collapse. At its heart lies the tragic heroine Lucia (Lisette Oropesa), caught between familial duty and a forbidden love, whose descent into madness culminates in one of the most famous and demanding scenes in all of opera—the legendary "mad scene."

What sets Lucia di Lammermoor apart is its emotional depth paired with extraordinary vocal virtuosity. The opera demands immense technical precision, agility, and stamina from its singers. Lucia’s role, in particular, is a tour de force for any soprano, requiring crystalline coloratura, seamless legato, and the ability to convey both fragility and inner turmoil. Her Act III mad scene, often accompanied by a glass harmonica or flute, is a pinnacle of operatic expression, where vocal fireworks intertwine with haunting introspection.

The male roles, too, are far from secondary. Edgardo’s (Stefan Pop) passionate arias and duets demand both vocal power and lyrical sensitivity, while Enrico’s (Mattia Olivieri) baritone role is filled with dramatic tension and dynamic range. Altogether, Lucia di Lammermoor remains a true test of vocal artistry and theatrical expression, making it a thrilling experience for performers and audiences alike.