LA Opera's season opener celebrates some important milestones. In his fourth season as music director, James Conlon leads his first bel canto opera with the Company. This is the first bel canto opera production for LA Opera in six years. Also appearing here for the first time will be Giuseppe Filianoti as the lovestruck Nemorino, who sings the poignant "Una furtiva lagrima" ("A furtive tear"). The New York Times lauded his "virile, bright voice with Italianate ping in his upper range." Sparks will fly when the gifted young Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze makes her first U.S. appearance, fresh from her spectacular debut at the 2008 Salzburg Festival. Returning to LA Opera after a critically acclaimed performance of Papageno last season, Nathan Gunn stars as the handsome soldier Belcore. Italian baritone Giorgio Caoduro makes his LA Opera debut in the comic role of Doctor Dulcamara.

One of opera's most popular comedies, The Elixir of Love tells the story of a magic love potion and the destiny of a love triangle involving a lovable bumpkin, a dashing sergeant and the bewitching town flirt. Filled with light-hearted charm and bursting with feel-good laughs, The Elixir of Love features effervescent Italian melodies and plenty of bel canto vocal fireworks.

Saturday September 12, 2009 6:00 p.m. Buy Tickets Tuesday September 15, 2009 7:30 p.m. Buy Tickets Sunday September 20, 2009 2:00 p.m. Buy Tickets Tuesday September 22, 2009 7:30 p.m. Buy Tickets Friday September 25, 2009 7:30 p.m. Buy Tickets Sunday September 27, 2009 2:00 p.m. Buy Tickets Wednesday September 30, 2009 7:30 p.m. Buy Tickets

NEMORINO Giuseppe Filianoti* View Profile ADINA Nino Machaidze* View Profile BELCORE Nathan Gunn View Profile DOCTOR DULCAMARA Giorgio Caoduro* View Profile GIANNETTA Valerie Vinzant View Profile

CONDUCTOR James Conlon View Profile DIRECTOR Stephen Lawless View Profile DESIGNER Johan Engels View Profile LIGHTING DESIGNER Joan Sullivan-Genthe View Profile