Approximately two hundred years after the last performance, opera returns to Ordsall Hall on March 17 with a performance of Donizetti’s most popular work, the Elixir of Love at 2.00 and 3.15pm.
“We have no records to prove if Donizetti operas were ever performed at Ordsall,” commented Caroline Storr, Heritage Director for Salford Community Leisure, “but as the most regularly performed work of one of the most popular composers of the 19th Century it is extremely likely that ‘L’elisir d’amore’ is making a return, not a first appearance at the Hall.”
Donizetti, and many of his contemporaries, were fascinated by the Tudor period of English history and much of his work is influenced by Tudor, King Henry VIII (and his seven wives, especially Anne Boleyn), Mary Queen of Scots and, of course Elizabeth I herself.
As a Tudor Manor House it’s likely that Ordsall Hall would have been swept up in a mutual self-regard and that performances would have taken place as they did in so many grand houses of the period.
“This is the first time that opera has been performed at Ordsall Hall in modern times so we are very excited about it,” said Caroline. “The Great Hall and its acoustics provide the perfect setting for these two inspiring performances.”
The half-hour opera is a newly adapted English language take on the Opera North’s forthcoming main stage production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. It offers a funny, light-hearted introduction to opera for young audiences and people who would not normally experience the art form.
Besotted with beautiful Adina, the gullible Nemorino seeks help from the rascally “matchmaker, miracle worker and most of all, magician” Dr. Dulcamara, who promises him “a dream that works by magic, bringing passion in a glass” – the ‘Elixir’ of the title.
The new adaptation is the work of John Savournin – last seen as the scene-stealing gunman in Opera North’s award-winning Kiss Me, Kate – and Opera North’s Community Engagement Manager Madeleine Thorne. John also plays Dulcamara, alongside soprano Daisy Brown (Adina) and tenor Alex Banfield. Accordionist Miloš Milivojević provides the musical accompaniment, based on Donizetti’s score.
Tickets costs £2.50 including refreshments.
To book tickets, please call Ordsall Hall on 0161 872 0251
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