Annalisa Stroppa; Javier Camarena; Florian Sempey; Evgeny Stavinsky; Edoardo Milletti; Orchestra Donizetti Opera; Coro Donizetti Opera and Coro dell'Accademia Teatro alla Scala; Valentina Carrasco; Riccardo Frizza - Gaetano Donizetti: La Favorite

Composed for the Paris Opera, the romantic but ultimately tragic narrative of Donizetti's grand opera La favorite is set amidst the Moorish invasions of Spain and the power struggles between religion and the state in the 14th century. The novice Fernand abandons his monastery having fallen in love with the noble Leonor, not knowing that she is the King's mistress and favourite. Drawing on traditions established by Rossini and Meyerbeer, La favorite is noted for Donizetti's innovative use of the orchestra and for some of his most renowned and enthralling arias. This acclaimed production opened the 2022 Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, and is performed with its original French libretto.