KLCO’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ Promises A Classic Opera Experience

Written by Eksentrika

KLCO’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ Promises A Classic Opera Experience

NOTE: Opera fans in Kuala Lumpur, mark your calendars! Kuala Lumpur City Opera (KLCO) will be staging Gaetano Donizetti’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore) from October 13th to 15th, and 20th to 22nd, 2023, at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (klpac). Use promo code ELIXIR15EKK to enjoy a 15% discount on CloudJoi. By purchasing tickets through this link, you’ll also support Eksentrika, as we’ll receive a 5% commission from each ticket sale.

If you’re in the mood for a night out at the opera, you should check out KLCO upcoming production of Gaetano Donizetti’s cherished opera, ‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore).

This comedic two-act opera is set to enchant the stage from the 13th – 15th October and then from the 20th – 22nd of October 2023 at Pentas 1, the klpac. This marks the second time KLCO will present this beloved opera, with the first rendition taking place in 2014.

Here’s why you should catch KLCO’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore)

KLCO's 'The Elixir of Love' with dual casts: Tenors Heo Yueh Ren and Tan Chee Shen as Nemorino and Sopranos Tan Sin Sim and Ho Chi Mei as Adina. IMAGE: Kuala Lumpur City Opera — *KLCO’s ‘The Elixir of Love’ with dual casts: (From Left) Tenors Heo Yueh Ren and Tan Chee Shen as Nemorino and Sopranos Tan Sin Sim and Ho Chi Mei as Adina. IMAGE: Kuala Lumpur City Opera.*

“L’elisir d’amore” is treasured for its delightful fusion of comedy, romance, enchanting melodies, and engaging characters.

This beloved opera was crafted in 1832 by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, who made a substantial contribution to the development of the bel canto style in the early 19th century. The term “bel canto” translates to “beautiful singing” in Italian and is characterized by a focus on the exquisite art of vocal expression. Donizetti is celebrated for his mastery of crafting lyrical, beautiful melodies and creating vocal compositions that splendidly highlight the talents of opera singers.

This year, KLCO’s production of ‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore) offers an exciting twist as it features a double cast for the principal roles, adding an extra layer of dynamism and talent to the performance. Soprano Ho Chi Mei and Soprano Tan Sin Sim will share the role of Adina, while Tenor Tan Chee Shen and Tenor Heo Yueh Ren will take on the role of Nemorino.

The character of Sergeant Belcore will be portrayed by both Baritone Seow Chee Chuan and Baritone Samuel Lim, and Baritone James Long Cai Hunt and Baritone Wilson Loh will alternate in the role of Dr. Dulcamara. Notably, Baritone Seow Chee Chuan will be making his debut with KLCO, adding fresh talent to this production.

KLCO has been trailbazing the Malaysian opera scene

Established in 2012, KLCO has been a trailblazer in the Malaysian opera scene, standing as the sole active opera company dedicated to presenting and promoting Western operas in the country.

Their rich repertoire includes an array of captivating productions such as Puccini’s “La Bohème,” “Madama Butterfly,” Bizet’s “Carmen,” Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore,” “La fille du régiment,” Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro),” “Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute),” Humperdinck’s “Hansel & Gretel,” Poulenc’s “La Voix Humaine,” Pergolesi’s “La Serva Padrona,” and many other classics.

Guiding an orchestra ensemble of over 25 talented musicians is the esteemed conductor, Kevin Fields, known for his exceptional musical direction. KLCO also warmly welcomes back the multi-award-winning Stage Director, Christopher Ling, to once again take the director’s chair for this opera. Notably, Christopher Ling’s first collaboration with KLCO was also for “L’elisir d’amore” back in 2014 when the company was known as the Eat, Sing & Travel People, marking a cherished return for the accomplished director.

Baritone James Long Cai Hunt and Baritone Wilson Loh will alternate in the role of Dr. Dulcamara — *Baritone James Long Cai Hunt (left) and Baritone Wilson Loh will alternate in the role of Dr. Dulcamara. IMAGE: Kuala Lumpur City Opera.*

‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore) is 191 years old

‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore) weaves a timeless tale of love, deception, and the enchanting elixir that intertwines fate. The opera’s narrative centers around Nemorino, a young villager whose heart is consumed by an unrequited love for the beautiful business owner, Adina, a woman he believes to be far out of his reach.

As love’s whims and twists take center stage, a new suitor enters the scene: Sergeant Belcore, who seeks to win Adina’s affection. Frustrated and desperate, Nemorino turns to Dr. Dulcamara, a traveling salesman with a bag of elixirs. What Nemorino purchases, however, is a counterfeit love potion.

Nemorino’s urgency to make the elixir work drives him to a surprising choice—enlisting in the army to earn the funds for a second vial of the magical elixir. Adina, moved by his unwavering dedication and willingness to risk his life for her love, is touched to the core. In a heartwarming turn of events, she repays his enlistment fee, leading to their union in marriage.

The opera, with an Italian libretto by Felice Romani, adapted from a French libretto by Eugène Scribe, made its captivating debut in Milan on May 12, 1832, and has continued to enchant audiences worldwide with its timeless and evocative storytelling.

‘The Elixir of Love’ (L’elisir d’amore) Show Details

Date & Time

Friday, 13 October 2023, 8:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Heo Yueh Ren, Ho Chi Mei, James Long, Samuel Lim)
Saturday, 14 October 2023, 8:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Tan Chee Shen, Tan Sin Sim, Wilson Loh, Seow Chee Chuan)
Sunday, 15 October 2023, 3:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Heo Yueh Ren, Ho Chi Mei, James Long, Samuel Lim)
Friday, 20 October 2023, 8:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Tan Chee Shen, Tan Sin Sim, Wilson Loh, Seow Chee Chuan)
Saturday, 21 October 2023, 8:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Heo Yueh Ren, Ho Chi Mei, James Long, Samuel Lim)
Sunday, 22 October 2023, 3:00 PM
(Principal Artistes: Tan Chee Shen, Tan Sin Sim, Wilson Loh, Seow Chee Chuan)