Gaetano Donizetti - L'Elisir D'Amore (Elixir of Love)
February 28 | 7pm
March 1 | 2:30pm
James R Armstrong Theatre | 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance, CA, 90503
The Palisades Symphony & Chorale (PSC) is excited to collaborate with Angels Lyric Opera in a fully-staged performance of Gaetano Donizetti’s famous opera L’elisir d’amore — “The Elixir of Love” — a work that all at once is extremely musical, funny, and touching. This charming romantic comedy overflows with wit, warmth, and glorious music. Originally set in a picturesque Italian village, our production transports the story to 1930s America, where the sweetly awkward Nemorino tries to capture the heart of the spirited Adina, with the help of a dubious love potion and a dash of hope. Featuring internationally celebrated vocalists and visually rich, immersive staging, this production invites opera lovers and newcomers alike to laugh, swoon, and delight in one of opera’s most beloved gems. English supertitles will be projected above the stage, allowing audiences to fully appreciate every twist and turn of this delightful story.
Artistic Leadership & Principal Cast
The production is led by Dr. Maxim Kuzin (Music Director), a Ukrainian-born conductor who serves as Music Director of both PSC and the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, with over twenty opera productions to his credit. Joining him is Siyeon Kim (Stage Director), founder and CEO of Angels Lyric Opera, who established the company to nurture young artists and bring opera to diverse Los Angeles audiences. A soprano herself with credits including Violetta in La traviata and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, she brings both a singer’s insight and directorial vision to the production. Sky Lee serves as Vocal Coach and Chorus Master, and a portion of the production will be conducted by PSC Assistant Conductor Andrew Karatay.
Starring as Adina is award-winning soprano Alexandra Rose Hotz, praised for her “soul-stirring” artistry by Voice Magazine Santa Barbara. A DMA graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she had her Carnegie Hall solo recital debut in 2025 as winner of Joy in Singing’s International Art Song Competition.
The role of Nemorino will be performed by tenors Wi Young Oh and Jungrok Oh in alternating performances. Wi Young Oh, a DMA graduate of World Mission University, has appeared as a featured soloist with LAKMA and at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Jungrok Oh, who holds a DMA from the University of Texas at Austin, brings an impressive roster of leading tenor roles including Tamino, Rodolfo, and Alfredo.
Hailed by Opera News as a “seemingly unlimited baritone,” José Luis Maldonado brings his commanding presence to the role of Dr. Dulcamara. A doctoral candidate at Michigan State University, he has performed with Long Beach Opera, Aspen Music Festival, Pacific Opera Project, and Lyric Opera of Orange County.
As the boastful Sergeant Belcore, Dr. Kevin Blickfeldt — Director of Vocal Studies at El Camino College and a founding member of the operatic quartet VOX (featured on America’s Got Talent) — brings both vocal excellence and comedic flair to the role.
Soprano Christine Oh rounds out the principal cast as Giannetta. A graduate of The Juilliard School and New England Conservatory, she has performed leading roles including Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro and Pamina in The Magic Flute.
The chorus features an auditioned ensemble of voice majors from across the Los Angeles area.
About the Collaborating Organizations
Angels Lyric Opera, led by CEO and Stage Director Siyeon Kim, is dedicated to nurturing young artists and making opera accessible to diverse audiences across Los Angeles. The Palisades Symphony & Chorale continues its commitment to bringing world-class musical experiences to the South Bay community.
Opera lovers and newcomers alike are invited to laugh, swoon, and delight in one of opera’s most beloved gem
