Lucia di Lammermoor

Lucia di Lammermoor is probably the most famous of Gaetano Donizetti's tragic operas and is an excellent representative of late bel canto. The libretto by Salvatore Cammarano was based on the historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor by the Scottish writer Walter Scott from 1819. The opera was premiered on 26 September 1835 at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Lucia di Lammermoor was also performed at a time when bel canto operas were displaced by Verdi, Wagner and others. It even became a permanent part of the repertoire of the New York Metropolitan Opera. The title role, endowed with a number of spectacular and virtuosic numbers, was a highlight of the repertoire of such 20th century singers as Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland and Edith Gruber. 
State Opera Music Director Andriy Yurkevych is close to bel canto opera thanks to his studies and engagements in Italy, so we can expect an enlightened and passionate performance of Donizetti's opera. The title role will be performed by the young Czech singer Lucie Kaňková, who has already introduced herself to Prague audiences in demanding parts such as Mozart's Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, Verdi's Violetta in La Traviata and Gilda in Rigoletto.