"Secret love bound by silence." Once the most performed opera of its time, Donizetti's Bel Canto drama, La favorite, features some of the most challenging arias ever written. Woven into this now-rarely performed opera is a classic love triangle among a noblewoman, king and warrior.

Set in early 14th century Spain, this triangle involves the King of Castile Alphonse XI, the beautiful Léonor and a novice monk, Fernand. In the background, the Moors have invaded Spain, and a power struggle has begun between church and state.