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>>Theresa Bierer: This season's performance of the NAU opera is the famous "Elixir of
Love" An ambitious undertaking for Northern Arizona University.
>>The often performed opera was written in 1831 by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti.
It includes one of the most popular arias in all of opera and is a comedic work, featuring
bel canto. >>Nando Schellen: Bel canto doesn't mean more
or less than beautiful singing. So it was a period in which there was three composers
who were all very much involved in writing strong drama or strong comedy and used the
beauty of the voice as the important instrument. >>Bierer: And many of the songs speak of love
between Nemorino and Adina, whom he tries to win over with a love potion. Along with
many laughs, the opera portrays some more serious ideas.
>> Schellen: The message is if you want love; make yourself ready and strong for love. And
that is a very interesting and good message and I don't mind that it comes from a comedy,
there are many moments that you can laugh and I hope things give you all that. But there
are also some moments that you think, yeah, there is something deeper.
>>Bierer: This performance includes the largest chorus ever to be used in an NAU opera along
with 5 solo roles. It is because the university's program has been growing in popularity that
Schellen was able to bring the "Elixir of Love" to stage this season
Later this year look for an NAU TV special featuring Nando Schellen and five of his NAU
operas.