TICKETS

Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the undisputed highlights of the bel canto repertoire. This opera has continued to fascinate audiences ever since its world premiere in 1835, thanks to its blend of forbidden love, political intrigue and unparalleled vocal virtuosity.
The music builds an irresistible, almost mystical tension that never lets you go. The opera owes its reputation primarily to its incredibly demanding leading role, which has made many sopranos – including Maria Callas – legendary. The madness scene in particular, which leaves no one unmoved, is one of the absolute highlights of the romantic bel canto repertoire.

The Belgian Opera & Operetta Organisation is bringing this timeless classic back to the stage, almost 200 years after its premiere. Internationally renowned Scottish conductor Dario Salvi leads the orchestra and soloists through the highs and lows of Donizetti’s masterful score, accompanied by the Belgian Opera Choir.

Let yourself be swept away by the setting of mystical 17th-century Scotland and immerse yourself in the haunting story of Lucia di Lammermoor.

SYNOPSIS

Scotland is torn by political rivalry and family hatred. Enrico Ashton, determined to save his family’s position, plans to marry his sister Lucia to the powerful Arturo Bucklaw. But Lucia is secretly in love with Edgardo of Ravenswood, the last heir of a family ruined by the Ashtons.

Before leaving for France, Edgardo meets Lucia in secret. They exchange rings and promise themselves to one another. Enrico, however, discovers their relationship and resolves to destroy it. He intercepts Edgardo’s letters and convinces Lucia that her lover has abandoned her. Isolated, emotionally exhausted and pressured to protect her family, Lucia finally agrees to marry Arturo.

During the wedding celebrations, Edgardo suddenly returns. Believing Lucia has betrayed him, he curses her and leaves in despair.

The forced marriage pushes Lucia beyond the limits of what she can endure. On her wedding night, she kills Arturo and appears before the guests in a state of delirium, imagining that she is finally united with Edgardo. Her famous mad scene reveals a mind escaping from a reality that has become unbearable.

Lucia dies shortly afterwards. When Edgardo learns of her death, he takes his own life, hoping that they will at last be reunited beyond the grave.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Lucia di Lammermoor is the first full-scale opera produced by the Belgian Opera and Operetta Organisation. Created for performances across Belgium in October 2026, the production brings together professional soloists, ConForte Symphonic, the Belgian Opera Choir and an experienced artistic team.

The project grew from Belgian Opera’s roots in Leuven and its collaborations with 30CC, SLAC and local musical organisations, while drawing on partnerships throughout the Belgian operatic community, including CapArt, LyricLab and Condropera. Together, these relationships make it possible to create an ambitious opera production and bring it to audiences in Heist-op-den-Berg, Auderghem, Namur and Leuven.