Opera in the Ozarks 2021 Season Program

Page 18

Music by Gaetano Donizetti / Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano July 2, 7, 10, 15, 18, 22

SYNOPSIS Scotland, Late 18th Century Based on Scottish novelist Walter Scott’s The Bride of Lammermoor, this opera traces rival families, thwarted love and unhealthy obsessions in a powerful tale of an innocent woman manipulated by the men in her life.

ACT I

Outside Lammermoor (Formerly Ravenswood) Castle

SCENE 1

young woman, which Alisa interprets as an ill omen for Lucia’s love affair with Edgardo. Lucia, however, dismisses her friend’s warning.

Enrico Ashton’s family fortunes are in jeopardy. Only his

Edgardo arrives and tells Lucia that he must soon leave

sister Lucia can salvage the situation by means of an

for France in order to form an alliance to fight the cause

expedient marriage to Lord Arturo. Normanno reveals

of Scotland. Before he goes he wants to extend the

that Lucia is in love with Edgardo, laird of Ravenswood.

hand of friendship to Enrico and ask for Lucia’s hand in

The Ravenswoods were ousted by the Ashtons and their

marriage. This frightens Lucia, who prefers to keep their

ancient estate is now in Enrico’s possession. Edgardo

love secret. Although Edgardo detests Enrico, who killed

lives on the edge of the estate in the ruins of a castle and

his father and stole his inheritance, he is prepared to put

has been seen having secret meetings with Lucia. Enrico

vengeance aside so he can be united with Lucia. The two

vows to end the affair and destroy his enemy.

affirm their love for each other.

SCENE 2 Accompanied by her companion Alisa, Lucia awaits Edgardo. She conjures up the image of a fountain where a jealous Ravenswood ancestor once killed his lover. She claims she has recently seen the ghost of the murdered

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