HARROGATE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University will host the Knoxville Opera for a community workshop performance of Donizetti’s 1835 opera Lucia of Lammermoor at 1 p.m. on Jan. 8 in the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center in Duke Hall of Citizenship. This event is free and open to the public

This opera tale is a tragic drama based upon Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor. The story concerns the emotionally fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) who is caught in a feud between her own family and that of the Ravenswoods. The setting is the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century.

Lucia of Lammermoor is best known and loved for its vocally difficult music which includes an impressive sextet and the heroine’s famous mad scene.

The workshop production is a simplified, abbreviated 35-minute version of the story in English and will include some scenery, full costumes and hand props. The performance, with piano accompaniment, will feature three of the story’s main characters and a pianist/host who will speak to the audience before, during and after the show.

Gaetano Donizetti was one of the most prolific Italian composers of the 19th century having composed more than 70 operas in addition to choral, orchestral and chamber music. His eternal popularity is ensured by a few dramatic masterpieces led by Lucia di Lammermoor and the popular comedies, The Elixir of Love and Don Pasquale.

Since its premiere, the opera has been performed all over the world in many languages. The Knoxville Opera’s February production is the fourth in the company’s history.