This feel-good opera, described by music critic Bernard Lee as one of the best things that Sheffield City Opera has ever done, was a great success with audiences.
A sort of operatic ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’, Elixir is about the efforts of a true-hearted lad, Nemorino, to win the heart of the wealthy Adina. Too shy to declare his love, he despairs when she is swept away by the attentions of a dashing soldier. A quack salesman, Doctor Dulcamara, sells Nemorino a love potion, convincing him that this will cause Adina to switch her affections.
The cast of ‘Elixir of Love’ included SCO favourites Andrea Tweedale, Matthew Palmer and Gavin Magenty. Karl Reiff, a successful principal tenor with West Riding Opera, made his SCO debut as Nemorino. Emma Magenty, also a talented newcomer to SCO, joined us for the role of Giannetta. Full SCO chorus and orchestra were conducted by Gavin Usher.