La Favorite

La favorite, which triumphed in Paris in 1840, is a grand-opéra based on the popular model of Meyerbeer but often spoiled by cuts, stylistic inaccuracy, and terrible translations. At the Donizetti Theatre, this masterpiece will be performed with the original French libretto and in its entirety, including the long, elaborate (and beautiful) dance divertissement. It will be conducted by the Festival’s musical director, Riccardo Frizza, and directed by Valentina Carrasco, who has already demonstrated her ability to master the rambling and complex dramaturgy of operas “à grand spectacle”. The Donizetti Opera Orchestra will play and the Donizetti Opera Choir and the La Scala Academy Choir will join forces. An opera “for singers”, as they used to say, La favorite features a company of great performers on the international vocal scene such as Annalisa Stroppa in the title role, tenor Javier Camarena, baritone Florian Sempey and bass Evgeny Stavinsky, also with Caterina Di Tonno and Edoardo Milletti.