Composed for the Paris Opéra, the romantic but ultimately tragic narrative of Donizetti’s grand opera La Favorite is set amidst the Moorish invasions of Spain and the power struggles between religion and the state in the 14th century. The novice Fernand abandons his monastery having fallen in love with the noble Léonor, not knowing that she is the King’s mistress and favourite. Drawing on traditions established by Rossini and Meyerbeer, La Favorite is noted for Donizetti’s innovative use of the orchestra and for some of his most renowned and enthralling arias. This acclaimed production opened the 2022 Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, and is performed with its original French libretto.

With “Opera in the Embassy,” a bridge between France and Italy, a new opera season begins. French and Italian arias will be performed by young artists from the Fabbrica-Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and the Académie-Opéra national de Paris in an exceptional concert at Palazzo Farnese and the Hôtel de la Rochefoucauld-Doudeauville.