A love story full of wit, longing, and musical charm: Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore" tells of belief in miracles, the power of emotions, and the question of whether a love potion can truly conquer the heart. At the Stadttheater Klagenfurt, this comic opera unfolds as a warm-hearted homage to human weaknesses and grand emotions.

The young farmer Nemorino is hopelessly in love with the beautiful and wealthy Adina – but he lacks the courage to confess his feelings to her. In the story of Tristan and Isolde, he finally believes he has found the solution: he needs a love potion. When a group of soldiers led by the self-confident Belcore arrives in the village and Adina takes a liking to the brash sergeant, the situation comes to a head.

At that very moment, the traveling physician Dulcamara arrives in the village. He touts a miracle cure that is supposed to help with all ailments. Full of hope, Nemorino buys a bottle of the supposed love potion from him—in reality, it is simply red wine. But to the surprise of the enterprising quack, after a few complications, the drink actually has the desired effect and brings the young lovers together.

Gaetano Donizetti composed "L'elisir d'amore" in less than three weeks – creating one of the most sparkling masterpieces in opera literature. Relentlessly, but with loving affection, the opera lays bare the weaknesses and longings of its characters. In the microcosm of a "Basque village," the big questions of life are condensed into sweet, melting, and rousing melodies. And unlike in the big world, where happiness is often unpredictable, this musical comedy finds its comforting ending: everything falls into place – and love triumphs.
Premiere March 19,
Further performances: March 21, 25, 27, and 31, April 2, 10, 15, 17, 25, and 30, May 2, 2026