The adventure of the opera “Lotario” from 12 to 20 July 2024 in the historic centre of Payerne is a unique opportunity to make one of the key figures in the history of the place present and to revive the Empress Adelaide in her country.
Summary of the opera
Berengario, Duke of Spoleto (Lombardy), who has had the husband of Adelaide, Queen of Italy, poisoned, wants to give her to his son Idelberto, who is in love with her, a love that is not reciprocated. Adelaide rejects this union and entrenches herself in her fortress of Pavia to forestall the threats of Berengario and his wife Matilde. Lotario, the King of Germania, leads an army and marches to Pavia to protect Adelaide, with whom he is in love. In the meantime, Berengario conquers Pavia and has Adelaide imprisoned. She must either marry Idelberto or die. Berengario loses the battle of Pavia and is captured by Lotario. Adelaide, still a prisoner, has to choose between the crown and the poison. She decides in favour of the poison. Idelberto stops her from committing the deed at the last second, but she tells him that she will never love him. Idelberto accepts this decision and promises Adelaide respect and fidelity, much to the annoyance of her mother Matilde. Despite Berengario’s defection, Matilde does not give up the fight and another battle ensues between Lotario and Matilde’s loyal troops, which Lotario wins. The latter invades the castle and frees Adelaide. The fate of Berengario and Matilde lies in the hands of Adelaide, who forgives them. Lotario has won a battle and won the love of a queen. Through his union with her, he becomes King of Italy and an ally of the Kingdom of Burgundy.
Information and ticket sales at operaimperatrice.ch
