Lucia di Lammermoor

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

Enrico Ashton’s family fortunes are in jeopardy. Only his sister Lucia can salvage the situation by means of an expedient marriage to Lord Arturo. Normanno reveals that Lucia is in love with Edgardo, laird of Ravenswood. The Ravenswoods were ousted by the Ashtons and their ancient estate is now in Enrico’s possession. Edgardo lives on the edge of the estate in the ruins of a castle and has been seen having secret meetings with Lucia. Enrico vows to end the affair and destroy his enemy.

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

Edgardo arrives and tells Lucia that he must soon leave for France in order to form an alliance to fight the cause of Scotland. Before he goes he wants to extend the hand of friendship to Enrico and ask for Lucia’s hand in marriage. This frightens Lucia, who prefers to keep their love secret. Although Edgardo detests Enrico, who killed his father and stole his inheritance, he is prepared to put vengeance aside so he can be united with Lucia. The two affirm their love for each other.

Music Director: Emanuele Andrizzi Conductors: Emanuele Andrizzi, July 2 & 7; Thomas Cockrell Stage Director: Robert Swedberg Scenic Designer: Jaye Beetem Lighting Designer: Quinn D. Schuster Costume Designer: Kim Welborn Stage Manager: Carol Brian Chorus Master: Emanuele Andrizzi Assistant Conductor: Sean Bresemann Accompanist: Mi-Jin Kim Video Projection Graphic Design: Lisa Buck

CAST

Normanno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Murphy Enrico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clement Baloyi, Hunter Curry Raimondo . . . . . . . . . Shengjie Cheng, Louis Tiemann Lucia . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Fisher, Michelle Perrier Alisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berenice Carrera, Laura Couch Edgardo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perry Chacón, Lwazi Hlati Arturo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kyle Rudolph, Nico Caruso Chorus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021 Company Artists

This Production Generously Underwritten By: Maria de Waal Putter

ACT II

SCENE 1

Enrico’s Apartments in Lammermoor Castle

It is some months later, on the day that Lucia is to marry Arturo. Normanno assures Enrico that he has successfully intercepted all correspondence between the lovers and has in addition procured a forged letter, supposedly from Edgardo, that indicates he is involved with another woman. As the captain goes off to welcome the groom, Lucia enters, continuing to defy her brother. Enrico shows her the forged letter. Lucia is heartbroken, but Enrico insists that she marry Arturo to save the family. He leaves and Chaplain Raimondo, convinced no hope remains for Lucia’s love, reminds her of her late mother and urges her to do a sister’s duty. She finally agrees.

SCENE 2

The Great Hall of Lammermoor Castle

As the wedding guests arrive, Enrico explains to Arturo that Lucia is still in a state of melancholy because of her mother’s death. The girl enters and reluctantly signs the marriage contract. Suddenly Edgardo bursts in, claiming his bride. The entire company is overcome by shock. Arturo and Enrico order Edgardo to leave, but he insists that he and Lucia are engaged. When Raimondo shows him the contract with Lucia’s signature, Edgardo curses her and tears his ring from her finger before finally leaving in despair and rage.

ACT III

SCENE 1

The Great Hall of Lammermoor Castle

The celebration of the wedding guests is abruptly halted by Raimondo: he tells them that Arturo has been murdered by Lucia. When Lucia enters, she is clearly out of her mind. She plays out a fantasy of a wedding with Edgardo until, physically and emotionally exhausted, she collapses.

SCENE 2

The Graveyard of the Ravenswoods

Among the tombs of his ancestors, Edgardo reflects on the emptiness of his life and how death would be a welcome release. Lammermoor retainers tell him that Lucia is close to death and is calling for him; before he can leave to be with her, Raimondo brings news that she has died. Wishing only to join her in death, Edgardo kills himself.

Source: Metropolitan Opera