The Italian classic comic opera L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) will be performed in Hong Kong tonight (Aug 14) and tomorrow night (Aug 15). Composed by Gaetano Donizetti — one of the three giants of Italian opera, alongside Rossini and Bellini. DotDotNews went behind the scenes at the rehearsal to speak with director Tang Xinxin, conductor Olsi Qinami, lead singers Chen Yong and Mariane Chan, and producer Warren Mok.
Why must audiences come to the theatre?
Chen Yong, who plays the male lead, describes it as "a love story everyone can relate to, suitable for ages six to sixty." Mariane Chan, the female lead, calls it "the best form of therapy, perfect for Hong Kong's fast-paced lifestyle."
But why does a 200-year-old comic opera still resonate today?
Director Tang Xinxin: capturing human nature
Q: What strikes you most about this opera?
Its beauty lies in how it captures human nature — those deeply innocent and profoundly beautiful moments within us. It also offers a very positive answer: even though honest people are often bullied, why is it that in the end, kind and sincere souls always receive the most precious gifts? It is precisely their innocence and perseverance that can still move heaven.
Q: Society is so complex. Can the protagonist's innocence still apply to reality?
Yes, I personally have always believed so. Whether human nature is inherently good or evil, there is always a kind part within us, and a space that needs to be filled by spirit, not material things. That's why art forms like music and opera can always fill what your heart needs in that moment.
Conductor Olsi Qinami: Hardest part is listening to the present
Q: What's the most difficult part during a performance?
The hardest part is probably coordinating everyone — the orchestra, the soloists, the chorus. You have to listen to everything that's happening in the moment and truly focus on what's unfolding right in front of you. That's probably the greatest challenge.
Q: How do you like Hong Kong?
I love Hong Kong. This is my second time here. It's a wonderful city. The food is amazing, the people are amazing. I hope to come back again if I have the chance.
Chen Yong (Nemorino): One heart, shared by all in HK
Q: What's the most precious thing you've gained throughout your career as an opera singer?
After all these years, I think the most precious thing is that on this land of Hong Kong, everyone shares the same heart. We have never forgotten what we want to bring to this city — outstanding productions, magnificent singing, and brilliant performances.
Mariane Chan (Adina): Perfect introduction to opera
Q: What would you like to say to Hong Kong audiences?
Everything moves so fast in Hong Kong. Fun operas like this one are especially good for first-timers. L'elisir d'amore is very accessible — suitable for young audiences, even children. So I think people should support our local young performers.
Producer Warren Mok: Ten years of giving local singers the stage
Q: Why do you produce opera every summer?
Especially in August, every year we provide opportunities for young singers, local singers, to shine on stage. We've been doing this for over ten years now.
Q: Is Hong Kong audiences' knowledge of opera still limited to a few famous pieces?
The general public usually only knows the so-called "top ten operas." So every summer, we bring in operas that aren't performed as often in Hong Kong, some lesser-known works.
We use a semi-staged production — the orchestra is on stage, and the singers perform in front of the orchestra. This way, the audience can focus more on the music itself, on the singing rather than the sets.
Hong Kong audiences are actually not as old as those in Europe or America. The average age of opera-goers in Hong Kong is around 35 to 40 — relatively young.
L'elisir d'amore opens tonight at the Hong Kong City Hall. From the director's artistic vision to the sincere performances of local singers, this two-century-old light opera may just bring a touch of gentle healing to Hong Kong's fast-paced life.
Performance Details:
- Dates & Time: Aug 14–15, 2026 (Friday & Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
- Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall
- Language: Performed in Italian, with Chinese and English subtitles
(Reporter: Lynn Zhou; Camera & Video Editing: Brayce Chen)
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