Knoxville Opera Presents “Lucia di Lammermoor” and Hosts Wedding Vo Renewal Ceremonies During the Run of the Show

KNOXVILLE, TN – Feb. 12, 2019 – Donizetti’s popular 1835 opera Lucia di Lammermoor returns 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 to the Tennessee Theatre stage.

The true tale of star-crossed lovers in the 16th century Scottish Highlands is a heartbreaking tale, originally written by Sir Walter Scott in his 1819 novel, “The Bride of Lammermoor.” The cast makes their Knoxville Opera stage debuts: Santa Fe Opera soprano Meryl Dominguez; Lyric Opera of Chicago tenor Aaron Short; Deutsche Oper Berlin baritone Michael Adams; and Metropolitan Opera bass David Crawford. The production is directed by former Edmonton Opera Artistic Director Brian Deedrick.

The haunting music of Lucia di Lammermoor is the perfect accompaniment to the tale of Lucia and her secret love for Edgardo, her family’s enemy. Enrico, Lucia’s brother, attempts to save his family from political and financial ruin by forcing her to marry a wealthy nobleman. Lucia initially refuses but, through deceit, is persuaded to wed. After learning the truth of her betrayal, Lucia loses her mind, and kills her new husband (offstage). She returns to the wedding celebration, covered in blood, hallucinating and fantasizes about the life she had wanted with Edgardo. This “Mad Scene” features difficult vocal and dramatic challenges, making it one of the most powerful scenes in all of opera.

Knoxville Opera welcomes students of all ages without charge to attend the final dress rehearsal of the show 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20. Adults who are chaperoning students pay $5 at the door.

Additionally, Knoxville Opera will offer married couples the opportunity to renew their wedding vows Feb. 22 or Feb. 24 before the start of the performances of Lucia di Lammermoor on the Tennessee Theatre stage. Judge John R. Rosson, Jr. will preside over the ceremonies.

“Since Lucia di Lammermoor is a Scottish Romeo and Juliet story of star-crossed lovers, we decided to give married couples attending the opera the chance to renew their wedding vows as part of a wonderful opera experience,” said Brian Salesky, Executive and Artistic Director of Knoxville Opera. “It is our hope that couples take advantage of this opportunity to pledge their love to each other again in the breathtaking setting of the Tennessee Theatre before watching Lucia and her love in Lucia di Lammermoor!”

Couples who wish to participate must contact Beth Evans via email at bevans@knoxvilleopera.com to register and get information on when to arrive at the theatre. Only those couples who register in advance will be able to take part in the ceremony.

For tickets and more information, visit www.knoxvilleopera.com or call 865-524-0795 ext. 1.

About Knoxville Opera

Knoxville Opera’s mission is to provide the residents of East Tennessee with high quality, locally produced opera and related educational and community programs. The company, founded in 1978, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose activities are made possible, in part, by generous major funding from the Aslan Foundation, Knoxville Opera Guild, Tennessee Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, The Fifth Commandment Fund, Pilot Flying J, Regal Cinemas, Knox County, Steve and Ann Bailey, Dr. Sharon Lord, KaTom Restaurant Supply, The Sood Family, City of Knoxville, Robert H. & Monica M. Cole Foundation, YMCA Knoxville, and Home Federal Bank.

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