By Miami Lyric Opera Miami Lyric Opera begins its performances at Olympia Theater of Gusman Arts Center with Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor April 14-15. This important step is a milestone in providing accessible quality opera productions to our community.  The cast includes:: Karin White, Jorge Pita, Oscar Martinez, Diego Baner, Jesse Vargas, Kelly Delgado, Herman Diaz and other fine artists. MLO Orchestra and Chorus. Chorusmaster: Pablo Hernandez and Conductor Doris Lang Kosloff. General and Artistic Direction of Raffaele Cardone. The move to the new venue has been possible thanks to the support and grants from Knight Foundation and Friends of Gusman Board  as well as the decision of MLO board, who supported the idea based on many requests made by local opera lovers.

In Donizetti’s dark drama, young Lucia is caught in the middle of a feud between her family and the man she loves. Forced by her brother to forsake her love and marry for money, she loses more than her happiness–she loses her mind. After she kills her bridegroom, Lucia plunges headlong into madness to Donizetti’s magnificent score in one of opera’s most famous, horrifying, and musically gorgeous scenes.

Donizetti wrote Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835, a time when several factors led to the height of his reputation as a composer of opera. Gioachino Rossini had recently retired and Vincenzo Bellini had died shortly before the premier of Lucia leaving Donizetti as “the sole reigning genius of Italian opera”. Not only were conditions ripe for Donizetti’s success as a composer, but there was also a European interest in the history and culture of Scotland. The perceived romance of its violent wars and feuds, as well as its folklore and mythology, intrigued 19th century readers and audiences. Sir Walter Scott made use of these stereotypes in his novel The Bride of Lammermoor, which inspired several musical works including Lucia.

Admission: $45, $35 and $25. Students with ID $25 only at Box Office. Tickets Sales At Olympia Theater at Gusman Arts Center or online www.miamilyricopera.org or http://tickets.gusmancenter.org