Opera Philadelphia

Donizetti/Cammarano

Lucia di Lammermoor

Lucia di Lammermoor

New Production
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano
Opera at the Academy
Performed in Italian with English supertitles

Part of  O18

"Brenda Rae is a high octane Lucia."—Broadway World

A seductively beautiful, deeply disturbing tale of love unhinged. Often considered the Scottish take on Romeo & Juliet, Lucia di Lammermoor explores the depths of passion and despair that overtake its heroine, who is used as a political pawn by her family. When forced to marry a man she does not love–rather than her beloved Edgardo, the mortal enemy of her brother–Lucia is driven to derangement, escalating to one of the most haunting mad scenes in all of opera.

Returning to the Opera Philadelphia stage for the first time in more than two decades, this operatic classic takes a dreamlike, ethereal turn courtesy of “A-plus director” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Laurent Pelly, who was named Best Director at the 2016 International Opera Awards.

Coloratura soprano Brenda Rae showcases her “consummate musicality and killer technique” (Financial Times) in the title role. Baritone Troy Cook brings his “dynamic elegance” (Opera News) to the role of her brother, Enrico, alongside tenor Michael Spyres, known for his “limitless grace and vocal purity” (The Guardian), in his company debut as Edgardo. Maestro Corrado Rovaris, familiar with the Donizetti tradition having likewise hailed from Bergamo, Italy, leads the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus.

Opening Night Artist Reception: September 21 at 11:00 p.m.

Following the impassioned denouement of Lucia di Lammermoor, join us on Opening Night in the stunning Academy of Music Ballroom to mingle with the talented cast and creative team over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Learn more>>

MapAcademy of Music

Dates are Sept. 2018.

Fri, Sep 21 8:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 23 2:30 p.m.
Wed, Sep 26 8:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 28 8:00 p.m.
Sun, Sep 30 2:30 p.m.

The running time is approximately two hours and 44 minutes including one 25-minute intermission (subject to change).

Co-produced by Opera Philadelphia and Wiener Staatsoper.

Opera at the Academy is underwritten, in part, by Judy and Peter Leone.

Festival O is presented in partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Production underwritten, in part, by Mrs. Sheila Kessler.

A Ciao Philadelphia Featured Event

Cast & Creative Team

Corrado Rovaris
Corrado RovarisConductor
Laurent Pelly
Laurent Pelly * Direction and Costume Design
Brenda Rae
Brenda Raeas Lucia
Troy Cook
Troy Cookas Enrico
Michael Spyres
Michael Spyres *as Edgardo
Christian Van Horn
Christian Van Horn *as Raimondo
Andrew Owens
Andrew Owens *as Arturo
Adrian Kramer
Adrian Kramer *as Normanno
Hannah Ludwig
Hannah Ludwig *as Alisa
  • Chantal Thomas * Set Design
  • Duane Schuler Lighting Design
  • Laurie Feldman * Assistant Director
  • Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master
  • Laura Krause * Stage Manager
  • Hannah Holthaus Assistant Stage Manager
  • Jennifer Shaw Assistant Stage Manager
  • *Opera Philadelphia debut
Gaetano Donizetti

The Composer

Gaetano Donizetti

Gaetano Donizetti was born November 29, 1797 in Bergamo, Italy. He, Bellini and Rossini were the three great masters of the opera style known as bel canto. Bel canto operas had set numbers of separate arias and ensembles that featured particularly florid vocal writing designed to show off the human voice to maximum effect. These works demanded great virtuosity from the singers and served as star vehicles for leading operatic performers. Donizetti dominated the Italian opera scene during the years between Bellini's death and Verdi's rise to fame after Nabucco. Learn more about Donizetti.

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