Following its success with the Bendigo Ring Cycle, Melbourne Opera turns its attention to one of the pinnacles of  bel canto. Donizetti’s most popular work – a well-crafted adaptation of Sir Walter Scott’s Highland family drama The Bride of Lammermoor – features a string of memorable arias and, of course, the famous mad scene. Australian-Greek coloratura soprano Elena Xanthoudakis returns to sing the challenging title role with Henry Choo as her lover Edgardo, and Simon Meadows as her domineering (but penniless) brother Enrico. Suzanne Chaundy directs, with Greg Hocking and Raymond Lawrence conducting the Melbourne Opera Orchestra & Chorus.

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Set in stormy Scotland, this 1835 opera, inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s gothic tale “The Bride of Lammermoor,” follows the tragic love between Lucia Ashton and Edgardo of Ravenswood, amidst their feuding families. The Ashtons, facing financial ruin, pressure Lucia into marrying wealthy Lord Arturo Bucklaw to save them. Amidst this turmoil, Lucia descends into madness with devastating consequences. Melbourne Opera welcomes back soprano Elena Xanthoudakis, known for her vibrant performances in Rossini’s “Otello” and Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena” and “Maria Stuarda.” Joining her are tenor Henry Choo and baritone Simon Meadows. Suzanne Chaundy, acclaimed for directing the Bendigo Ring Cycle and “Maria Stuarda” in 2023, returns to direct this captivating bel canto masterpiece.