Film · Music

Donizetti La Favorite (2015)

A Worthy Performance of an Operatic Gem

One of the composer's most beguiling scores, La Favorite is Gaetano Donizetti's La favorita in it's original French form; a tale of love and war that represents a glorious mix of Italian bel canto and 19th c. grand opera. Vincent Boussard's arresting Toulouse production does full justice to this newly renewed masterpiece. Three international principals take on the work's demanding roles: Chinese tenor Yijie Shi is a 'revelation' as Fernand, the rich-toned, authoritative French baritone Ludovic Tezier as King Alphonse XI and lauded American mezzo Kate Aldrich - 'the Carmen of this generation' - plumbing the emotional depths of Leonor's music. Conductor and bel canto specialist Antonello Allemandi adds to the passionate proceedings onstage. Maestro Allemandi demonstrated full authority over the stage for the musically complex scenes, and in the arias and duets demonstrated his confidence in the singers by establishing ample tempos to support their soaring vocal lines.

Director

Olivier Simonnet

Writers

Alphonse Royer

Country

United States

Language

English

Release date

March 31, 2015

Donizetti La Favorite was released on March 31, 2015. Where to watch in United States: Qello Concerts by Stingray Amazon Channel (subscription).

Last updated: November 13, 2026