Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor

New York Opera Forum presents a concert performance of
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor
on Sunday, September 18, 2011, at 3 p.m.

New York Opera Forum offers a complete performance of the operatic classic Lucia di Lammermoor in concert at Saint Luke’s Church, Forest Hills, on Sunday, September 18, at 3 p.m. Soprano Karole Lewis, a Forest Hills favorite, takes the title role of the doomed heroine in this towering masterpiece of the bel canto repertory. Tenor Benjamin Sloman plays her hotheaded lover, Edgardo; Scott Wheatley is her implacable brother, Enrico.

Lucia is based on Sir Walter Scott’s gothic novel The Bride of Lammermoor. A smash hit at its premiere in Naples in 1835, this tale of a fragile heroine’s love affair, doomed by familial interference and political intrigue, has never waned in popularity. The glories of Donizetti’s richly melodic score include the ravishing duet “Verranno a te”; the title character’s brilliant and justly famous mad scene, a tour de force of coloratura characterization; and the tenor’s electrifying final scena.

New York Opera Forum was founded in 1983 by maestro Richard Nechamkin, an active conductor, pianist and vocal coach on the New York scene, to give classically trained singers the opportunity to learn and perform standard operatic repertoire in the original languages.

Saint Luke’s Church is an architectural treasure in the heart of the historic Forest Hills Gardens. Built in 1923, its beautiful Gothic-style nave features jewel-like stained-glass windows and excellent acoustics. The sanctuary’s intimate scale and serene beauty make it a perfect venue for music that enchants the ear and makes the spirit soar. A wine-and-cheese reception with the artists will follow the performance.

Saint Luke’s is located at 85 Greenway South in Forest Hills, Queens, a short walk from the Continental Avenue stop on the E, F, R and V trains. The suggested donation is $12, $10 for seniors, students and groups of six or more. For reservations and more information, call 718-268-7772, or visit the church’s website at www.stlukesforesthills.org.