Opera nights

Opera lovers of Thunder Bay have an exciting event to look forward to at the end of September. Local opera company, Opera Northwest, is set to stage their third full production September 27-29th at the Paramount Theatre. Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore will be a comical treat
for audiences to enjoy beautiful bel canto music, with an abundance of Italian culture on the local stage.
Formed in 2016, Opera Northwest was founded by Artistic Director, Theresa Thibert, and Musical Director Sean Kim. The production will feature a wide array of local talent, including singers and musicians, as well as visiting guest tenor, James Smith. The cast of local singers includes Thibert singing the role of Adina, Kai Leinonen singing Belcore, Krista Hansen as Gianetta, and Scott Wilcox as Dr. Dulcamara. James Smith, from London Ontario will join the ensemble to perform the role of tenor soloist Nemorino, and sing the infamous aria “Una furtiva lagrima”.
Audiences in Thunder Bay can expect to be treated with the exquisite vocal lines, and simple, yet delightful orchestration that Donizetti was famous for.
Elisir, as a ‘buffa’ opera (meaning comic opera) showcases Donizetti’s prolific style, and attention to dramatic insight, and also is characterized with spontaneity, verve and gaiety. The work also provides a very real sense of emotion and vulnerability intermingled with the comedic aspects, and is comparable to masterworks by Gioachino Rossini, whose operas
were wildly popular with audiences at the time.
Tickets can be purchased at Maple Tops in the Paramount Theatre, or online at https://tinyurl.com/ONWElixir