Falling Under Opera's Spell with The Elixir of Love

Here in Bend, the opportunity to catch a live opera isn't exactly plentiful. Aside from The Met: Live in HD opera performance at Old Mill Stadium 16, fans must drive to Portland to take in the sights and sounds of opera. On the other side of the spectrum, many of us probably wouldn't know an opera if a soprano wailed in our faces. Sunday, March 6 McMenamins Old St. Francis School provides the opportunity for seasoned fans of opera and newbies alike to experience the opera via a performance from Portland Opera to Go.

The Portland Opera started in 1964, presenting quality, artistic productions that explore the breadth of the art form. Portland Opera to Go was created as part of the company's education and outreach program in order to introduce opera to families in a more accessible setting.

This Sunday at McMenamins, the company presents The Elixir of Love, an English-language version of Donizetti's (he was Italian) coming of age comedy. In The Elixir of Love, the klutzy and shy Nemorino falls madly in love with Adina, but problematically, her heart belongs to a dashing fly-boy named Belcore. Nemorino seeks out Dulcamara, a rogue who sells him a potent potion called the elixir of love.

After the 50-minute production and a brief intermission, attendees are treated to a concert of opera's "greatest hits", both new and old, as well as Broadway standards. The concert will provide a wide-ranging introduction to the genre, likely changing the way you think about opera. The idea of opera may be intimidating to many of us, but this English-language introduction may create a number of new Bend opera fans. Best of all, the production is free.

Portland Opera to Go: The Elixir of Love

2pm Sunday, March 6.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St. Free.