A rollicking Wild West Elisir in Dublin that hits all the right notes

Duke Kim (Nemorino) and Claudia Boyle (Adina)

Gianluca Margheri (Belcore), Claudia Boyle (Adina) and INO Chrous

L'elisir d'amore

John Molloy (Dulcamara) and INO Chorus

Claudia Boyle (Adina) and INO Chorus

By Andrew Larkin, 28 May 2025

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“Donizetti dialled up to eleven and all the better for it”

Reviewed at Gaiety Theatre, Dublin on 27 May 2025

Donizetti, L'elisir d'amore

Irish National Opera

Erina Yashima, Conductor

Cal McCrystal, Director

Irish National Opera Orchestra

Irish National Opera Chorus

Claudia Boyle, Adina

Duke Kim, Nemorino

Gianluca Margheri, Belcore

John Molloy, Dulcamara

Deirdre Higgins, Giannetta

Irish National Opera’s new Rusalka intrigues more than it convinces

Andrew Larkin, 22nd March

Netia Jones’ modern reimagining intrigues more than it convinces, but still makes a strong case for Dvořák’s dark fairy tale.

***11

Irish National Opera’s Bartered Bride shines

Andrew Larkin, 22nd November

A tiny stage and five musicians prove no obstacle to Irish National Opera’s lively, witty Bartered Bride, where sharp casting and clever direction turn modest means into genuine delight.

****1

Charting new waters: Flying Dutchman brings Wagner back to Ireland

Andrew Larkin, 23rd March

Ireland’s first Wagner opera in over a decade dazzles with a captivating production by Rachael Hewer for Irish National Opera.

****1

Terrifically strong principals in Irish National Opera’s Rigoletto

Andrew Larkin, 1st December

Michael Chioldi, Soraya Mafi and Bekhzod Davronov shine in Julien Chavez’ energetic production in Dublin’s Bord Gais Theatre.

****1

Strong voices shine amidst Fuchs' superficially garish Traviata

Andrew Larkin, 21st May

Strong vocals from the three principal singers and a sure musical direction from young conductor Farrell help offset some of the less than convincing elements to Olivia Fuchs' production.

***11

Gold medal for Irish National Opera's L’Olimpiade at Covent Garden

Roy Westbrook, 13th May

Venetian Baroque opera once had a raison d'être of spectacular and complex stagings, but Daisy Evans makes us see that other ways are possible.

****1

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Andrew Larkin

Andrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin.

Donizetti on steroids: a rollicking Wild West Elisir that hits all the right notes