Donizetti’s Opera Lucia Di Lammermoor
MANILA, Philippines — The compelling yet tragic tale of the bride of Lammermoor comes to the Philippine stage as the CCP, Rustan Group of Companies, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation Inc., and the Embassy of Italy Manila, presented “Lucia di Lammermoor” on January 31 at the CCP Main Theater.
From the genius of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, with libretto by Salvadore Cammarano, the three-act opera follows the story of Lucia Ashton, a Scottish maiden who falls in love with Edgardo, the leader of the Ashtons’ political enemies, but is forced by her brother Enrico to marry another nobleman named Arturo. Believing her brother’s lie that Edgardo has betrayed her, Lucia is so gripped with devastation and grief that she begins to lose her sanity.
First performed in Naples in 1835, the Donizetti opera has since become a favorite among opera-lovers, “with its vivid heroine, beautiful orchestration, gothic story and psychologically realistic portrayal of a woman on the brink of collapse.”
“We are very excited to bring ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ to the Philippines. One of the greatest bel canto roles in all the operas, Lucia is quite challenging to perform. It has been challenging for us to find the best opera singer who would fit the role, and I’m so glad we found the right person to take the role,” shared Rustan Group of Companies chairman and CEO Zenaida R. Tantoco.
Lucia di Lammermoor is presented in cooperation with Hilton Manila, SSI Group Inc., East West Bank, San Miguel Corporation, LCS Group of Companies. The opera is made possible also through the help of the following supporters of arts and culture: Hermes, Danny Dolor, Ambassador and Mrs. Antonio M. Lagdameo, Rustan Coffee Corporation and Advanced Foundation Construction Systems Corporation. MAC Cosmetics Philippines is the official make-up sponsor. The opera performances will benefit the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society Inc. (PPOSI) and the Philippine Association (PIA) Endowment Fund.
