In 2026, the Bregenz Festival Opera Studio presents Gaetano Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, a romantic comedy full of charm, humour and emotion. Stage director Anna Kelo and music director Danila Grassi will transform the Theater am Kornmarkt into a colourful high school world. Here unfolds a story about love, longing and self-discovery – a coming-of-age story that is reminiscent of Netflix series such as Sex Education and throws Donizetti’s opera into a new, contemporary light. The production opens on 17 August 2026.
The story centres on the shy Nemorino, who is hopelessly in love with the clever and self-confident Adina. When the eccentric quack doctor Dulcamara sells him a “love potion”, emotional chaos ensues. The tale of the trials and tribulations of love is told by Donizetti in a light-footed though very touching way with humour, subtle characterisation – and one of the most beautiful tenor arias in opera history.
“This production is an ideal stage for the young singers of the Opera Studio to combine vocal expressiveness and acting presence,” says artistic director Lilli Paasikivi, who will be giving the Opera Studio masterclass for young singers herself, as she did last year. “This opera needs playfulness and lightness of touch, but also depth and expressiveness.”
Jaakko Kortekangas, the festival’s director of operations, will join Lilli Paasikivi in holding a masterclass in March 2026 to prepare the talented young singers for the premiere.
Masterclass
26 March 2026 – 7.30 p.m.
Festspielhaus, Seestudio
17, 19, 21, 22 August 2026 – 7.30 p.m.
Theater am Kornmarkt
Tickets and all further information about L'elisir d'amore can be found here.
