In the heart of Vienna’s cultural landscape, the Wiener Staatsoper showcased a series of three performances of Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’amore,” with young tenor Xabier Anduaga taking center stage. With his portrayal of Nemorino, Anduaga captivated the audience with his youthful charm and vocal prowess.

Since winning the Operalia competition in 2019, Anduaga’s career has been on a meteoric rise, with performances in New York, London, Berlin, and Vienna. His rendition of Nemorino’s aria “Una furtiva lagrima” was a highlight of the evening, showcasing his lyrical tenor and effortless vocal control.

Anduaga’s performance elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience, with many clamoring for an encore of Nemorino’s aria. His warm-toned voice and charismatic stage presence endeared him to the audience, making him a standout in the production.

Florina Ilie’s portrayal of Adina was delicate but lacked the strength needed to fully command the stage. Alex Esposito brought humor and intelligence to the role of Dulcamara, infusing the character with wit and charm. Clemens Unterreiner’s portrayal of Belcore was suitably dashing, complementing Anduaga’s Nemorino with his confident stage presence.

Francesco Ivan Ciampa led the orchestra with vigor, capturing the comedic essence of Donizetti’s score. The production, helmed by Otto Schenk, provided a charming backdrop for the performers, allowing them to shine without unnecessary distractions.

Overall, Anduaga’s performance left a lasting impression on the audience, cementing his status as a rising star in the opera world. With his captivating stage presence and impeccable vocal technique, Anduaga is undoubtedly a talent to watch in the coming years.