Following his success in Paris with the French version of Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti received a new commission from the Opéra, on that occasion based on a libretto by Alphonse Royer, Gustave Vaëz and Eugène Scribe. The result was La favorite, a romantic opera that made a successful debut. The story is set in the 14th century and features a love triangle between King Alphonse XI of Castile, his mistress Leonor and young Fernand.
On July 8, 11, 14, 17, 20 and 22, La Favorite at Gran Teatre del Liceu features the great voices of Clémentine Margaine, Michael Spyres and Markus Werba. Patrick Summers conducts.