For the first time, Avenches presents, “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Gaetano Donizetti’s masterpiece. Love, ill-will, intrigue, flights of insanity and death are the influential ingredients of this opera. The Italian director Francesco Maestrini will combine these in a powerful visual drama and will transport the arena’s audience into 18th century Scotland. Donizetti’s music, which accompanies this romantic drama, is a part of the classic Belcanto’s highest point and demands the interpreters’ ultimate virtuosity. Elena Mosuc and Ilaria del Prete will star in the title role; Gianluca Terranova and Giorgio Caruso will interpret Edgardo; the role of Enrico will be entrusted to Giovanni Meoni and Walter Franceschini; and the role of Raimondo will be assured by Alfredo Zanazzo and Francesco Ellero D' Artegna.

The subject matter of the highly dramatic, romantic opera, “Lucia di Lammermoor,” is based on the novel by Walter Scott (1819). The libretto was written by Salvatore Cammarano. In 16th century Scotland, torn by inexpiable struggles between rival clans, Lord Enrico Ashton wants to marry off his sister Lucia to Arturo, a descendant from a noble family. However, the young woman has been secretly engaged to Edgardo, the Ashton family’s sworn enemy. Enrico makes Lucia believe that Edgardo has been unfaithful to her. In her dismay and melancholy, she resigns herself to marry Arturo. The marriage ceremony is interrupted by the return of Edgardo, who curses Lucia. Lucia goes mad, stabs and kills her husband. She falls dying. Edgardo then kills himself, under Ashton’s eyes, following Lucia to the grave. 
Donizetti‘s staggering masterpiece, “Lucia di Lammermoor,” was first produced on 26 September 1835 in Naples and immediately became a legend in opera history. Highlights include the duet between Lucia and Edgardo, in which they swear love until death; the musically perfect sextet during the wedding ceremony and the magnificent insanity scene, lasting almost 15 minutes, which demands the utmost acting intensity, as well as superb technical virtuosity. 

Elena Mosuc as Lucia di Lammermoor 
With Elena Mosuc playing the title role of Lucia, the arena’s audience can look forward to a grandmaster of virtuosity. Critics, as well as the audience, can be carried away by enthusiasm during Ms. Mosuc’s “insanity aria” interpretation. During three evening performances, Ilaria del Prete will sing this extremely demanding role, as she already did with bravura, at the Caracalla Opera Festival in Rome, in 2008. Edgardo, Lucia’s lover and the Ashtons’ archenemy, will be interpreted by the young tenor, Gianluca Terranova, who has previously sung this role in Florence and Frankfurt. The young Giorgio Caruso, who can be heard as Rodolfo in “La Bohème,” in Bern, until March 2010, will also embody the role of Edgardo in Avenches. The role of Lucia’s brother Enrico will be filled in a first class way by Giovanni Meoni and Walter Franceschini. Raimondo’s role will also be taken on by Alfredo Zanazzo and Francesco Ellero D’Artegna. Giorgio Trucco is Arturo, Catherine Jüstrich and Bara La Faro play Alisa, Christoph Meinen and Renato Cazzaniga play Normanno; thus, rounding out this exciting production. 

Pier Francesco Maestrini directs for the third time in Avenches 
Pier Francesco Maestrini once again brings his exceptional expertise and director’s talent to the Avenches Arenas (2005 Nabucco, 2006 Il Trovatore). As the son of the Italian opera director Carlo Maestrini, he grew up on the world’s greatest stages. Since his debut as a director in 1993, in Tokyo, he has been responsible for more than 60 productions. His repertoire ranges from the baroque, to verist, and to contemporary works. For Avenches, he will adapt the sumptuous and successful production of “Lucia di Lammermoor,” which he previously developed in 2008, for the Caracalla Festival on behalf of the “Teatro dell‘ Opera di Roma.” Historic authenticity of this work is of the highest priority to Maestrini. That is why the 18th century setting of the original story line from the literary work, “The Bride of Lammermoor,” will be followed, and not Donizetti’s 16th century setting for this opera. Carlo Savi has designed the very impressive set and the wonderful epoch costumes. For a delightful preview, take a look at the pictures online at: www.avenches.ch/opera. The arena’s lighting and atmosphere enhancing color projections are in the capable hands of Alfredo Troisi, who previously lit up Avenches opera nights in 2005 and 2006. Pavel Baleff (Baden-Baden) will direct the Festival Orchestra. Pascal Mayer will be right at home again, overseeing the 60 person chorus; grandly staging them in the opera scenes as knights, noble ladies, servants, hunters and townspeople. “Lucia di Lammermoor“ will be sung in its original Italian version, with subtitles in German and French. 

Official Main Sponsor - Credit Suisse 
“Credit Suisse, as a sponsor, attaches great importance to this longstanding, faithful partnership. It is our greatest pleasure to continue to be a part of the Avenches Opera Festival’s success story since 1995,” affirms Jean-Luc Rochat, head of Crédit Suisse in the Swiss Romande region. 

Performances: 
2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16 July 2010, 21.15 hrs. until approx. 23.50 hrs. 

Ticket Prices (CHF) by sector: 
H               G/F            E            E+/C/D       A/B          A+/B+ 
75.-         105.-        125.-         145.-        165.-         180.-  
Sektor I (Only at evening ticket window) 50.- 

Ticket Sales 
www.avenches.ch/opera (Online ticket sales; payment by invoice or by credit card) 
Avenches Tourism: Tel. 026 676 99 22, Fax 026 675 33 93, info@avenches.ch 
TicketCorner: Tel. 0900 800 800 (CHF 1.19/min.) or at sales offices. 

Customer Friendly Ticket Reimbursement Conditions 
In the event of inclement weather, the performance can be cancelled or discontinued. Tickets will be reimbursed 100%, if the performance has run less than 60 minutes. 

Free Events Associated with the Opera Production 
On the evening of a performance, beginning at 17.00 hours, a free guided city tour of Avenches is offered. Registration and meeting point at Avenches Tourism: Tel. 026 676 99 22. 
An free introduction to the “Lucia di Lammermoor“ Opera, as well as a presentation on the composer Gaetano Donizetti will be held before each performance at 18.00, in the vicinity of the arena. Registration is not necessary. 
The Roman Musuem in Avenches is always a worthwhile visit. Your opera ticket guarantees free entry to the Museum. The Museum is open until 20.30 hours. 

Transportation 
Transportation details for travelling by car, bus or train are available at: www.avenches.ch/opera or telephone Avenches Tourism: Tel. 026 676 99 22. 


Press & Media Relations: 
Michel Doleires, Tel. 079 301 11 59, mdoleires@avenches.ch 


11 November 2009