Donizetti’s popular 1835 opera Lucia di Lammermoor is returning to the stage of the Tennessee Theatre after an absence of nine years on February 22nd and 24th. The true tale of star-crossed lovers in the 16th century Scottish Highlands is as heartbreaking today as when Sir Walter Scott wrote the story in his 1819 novel, The Bride of Lammermoor. The thrilling young cast, all making their Knoxville Opera stage debuts, includes Santa Fe Opera soprano Meryl Dominguez, Lyric Opera of Chicago tenor Aaron Short, Deutsche Oper Berlin baritone Michael Adams, and Metropolitan Opera bass David Crawford. The production is directed by former Edmonton Opera Artistic Director Brian Deedrick.

“Whether you are an opera fan or just coming to the magnificent Tennessee Theatre for a great theatrical experience, Lucia di Lammermoor is for you,” said Brian Salesky, Executive and Artistic Director of Knoxville Opera. “It is both the Scottish Romeo and Juliet and a classic gothic ghost story set to thrilling music which has made sopranos into legends. One of those was my dear friend, Dame Joan Sutherland, to whom I am dedicating these performances.”

The glorious and haunting music of Lucia di Lammermoor is the perfect accompaniment to the tale of Lucia and her secret love for Edgardo, her family’s enemy. Enrico, Lucia’s brother, attempts to save his family from political and financial ruin by forcing her to marry a wealthy nobleman. Lucia initially refuses but, through deceit, is persuaded to wed. After learning the truth of her betrayal, Lucia loses her mind, and kills her new husband (offstage). She returns to the wedding celebration, covered in blood, hallucinating, and fantasizes about the life she had wanted with Edgardo. This “Mad Scene” features extraordinarily difficult vocal and dramatic challenges, making it one of the most powerful scenes in all of opera!

Knoxville Opera welcomes students of all ages without charge to attend the final dress rehearsal of the show on Wednesday, February 20th at 6:30 p.m. Adults who are chaperoning students pay just five dollars cash at the door.

Opening night of Lucia di Lammermoor is Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a matinee performance on Sunday, February 24 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.knoxvilleopera.com or call (865) 524-0795 ext. 1.