Opera: La fille du régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment)

by Gaetano Donizetti
Teatro di San Carlo, Naples 2025-05-18 ... 2025-05-27

La fille du régiment at Teatro di San Carlo: A Sparkling Comic Opera with Heart

“La fille du régiment” by Gaetano Donizetti is a beloved gem of the opera world, blending humor, romance, and dazzling vocal performances. This season, Teatro di San Carlo in Naples presents this delightful “opéra-comique” in an enchanting production that promises to captivate audiences with its lighthearted charm and virtuosity. The story revolves around Marie, a spirited young girl raised by a regiment of soldiers, and her blossoming romance with Tonio, a local villager. As the military life she’s known comes into conflict with her newfound love, Marie faces the challenge of balancing duty and desire. Donizetti’s score sparkles with lively melodies, including the famously challenging tenor aria “Ah! mes amis,” which features an exhilarating sequence of high Cs, and the moving “Il faut partir,” where Marie reflects on the tension between her love for the regiment and her desire for personal freedom. With its mix of wit, warmth, and vocal pyrotechnics, “La fille du régiment” is a joyous celebration of music and laughter, perfect for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike.

The Teatro di San Carlo, renowned for its rich history and tradition, provides an extraordinary setting for this production. The opera house, one of the oldest continuously operating venues in the world, offers a magnificent backdrop that enhances the lively and spirited nature of “La fille du régiment”. Under the baton of conductor Riccardo Bisatti and with direction by Damiano Michieletto, this production brings out the humor and heart of Donizetti’s masterpiece. Pretty Yende as Marie and Ruzil Gatin as Tonio promise vocal fireworks and irresistible chemistry, making this a must-see event in Naples. The cast, orchestra, and chorus of Teatro di San Carlo are sure to deliver an unforgettable evening of music and theatrical brilliance in this co-production with the Bayerische Staatsoper.

Travel Package Teatro San Carlo Naples

Music trip to Naples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “La fille du régiment” at the Teatro San Carlo Naples.
The travel package includes 3 days with 2 nights in one of our selected hotels in Naples and is put together according to your wishes. You can choose between the Essential and Superior packages, request additional nights, and a subsequent program to explore Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Italy.

Teatro San Carlo

The San Carlo Theater was built in 1737 and is the oldest opera house in the world. The Italian opera temple San Carlo is a symbol of the city of Naples. Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Naples. You can select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.
The highlight is an opera or ballet at the famous Teatro San Carlo.

History of Donizetti’s "La fille du régiment"

First premiered in 1840 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, “La fille du régiment” quickly became one of Gaetano Donizetti’s most popular works. Composed during his stay in Paris, the opera was created to appeal to French audiences, drawing on the lighthearted, comic traditions of “opéra-comique” while showcasing the Italian style of melody for which Donizetti was known. The libretto, by Jean-François Bayard and Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges, weaves a humorous and touching tale of love, patriotism, and mistaken identities, all centered around the lovable character of Marie, the “daughter of the regiment.” The opera’s appeal lies not only in its engaging story but also in the technical demands it places on its singers, particularly in the role of Tonio, whose famous aria “Ah! mes amis” is one of the most challenging pieces for a tenor in all of opera.

Although its premiere was met with moderate success, “La fille du régiment” soon gained a reputation as a crowd-pleaser, and it has remained a staple in opera houses around the world ever since. The opera’s mix of rousing marches, comedic situations, and heartfelt moments continues to delight audiences. In the late 19th century, it was translated into Italian and became popular in Italy as well, where it remains part of the standard repertory. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to Donizetti’s masterful ability to balance humor and pathos, creating an opera that is as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining. Today, “La fille du régiment” is cherished for its charm, its vibrant characters, and its showcase of extraordinary vocal talent.

The Artists and Creative Team

Opéra-comique in two acts
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Jean-François Bayard and Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges

Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet of Teatro di San Carlo
Chorus Master • Fabrizio Cassi
Ballet Director • Clotilde Vayer

Sung in French, with Italiana and English surtitles
Running time: approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes, with interval

Coproduction Teatro di San Carlo and Bayerische Staatsoper

Conductor • Riccardo Bisatti
Stage Direction • Damiano Michieletto

Set Design • Paolo Fantin
Costume Design • Agostino Cavalca
Lighting Design • Alessandro Carletti
Choreographies • to be announced
Dramaturgy • Mattia Palma / Malte Krasting

Cast

Marie • Pretty Yende
Tonio • Ruzil Gatin
Sulpice • Sergio Vitale
Marquise de Berkenfield • Sonia Ganassi
Hortensius • Eugenio Di Lieto
Duchesse Krakenthorp • Marisa Laurito
Un caporal • Salvatore De Crescenzo
Un paysan • Ivan Lualdi
Un notaire • to be announced

Booking Process

Music trip toNaples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “La fille du régiment”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro San Carlo on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.

Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:

Select a Date
Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
Description of the Essential and Superior Package