Prodigious melodic inspiration and enormous dramatic vigour have made L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) one of the best-loved operas of all time. Deeply romantic in its gesture of elevating a group of poor peasants to the status of quasi-main characters, the work effectively uses figures and situations from 18th century opera buffa.

The central character is the peasant Nemorino - the most popular section of the score is his aria ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ - who, in love with Adina and finding her unattainable (not least because she is also coveted by Sergeant Belcore), enlists the services of the charlatan Dulcamara, inventor of a miraculous elixir (rich in alcohol) that allows him to win hearts.

The main roles in this opera have been played by some of the most important Portuguese voices over the years. Adina will be Rita Marques, who made her debut in the role at the São Carlos National Theatre at the end of 2022.