Join us this Saturday, August 17, at 1 PM on WHRO 90.3 for a magical broadcast of Antonín Dvořák's lyrical opera, “Rusalka”. This captivating fairy tale, steeped in Slavic mythology, explores themes of love, nature, and the human soul, promising an afternoon of profound musical storytelling.
The Opéra Royal de Wallonie in Liège presents this enchanting performance, conducted by Giampaolo Bisanti. It features Corinne Winters starring in the title role, and Anton Rositskiy and Jana Kurucová completing the principal cast.
Inspired by the German Romantic tale “Undine”, which also influenced Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”, the story follows Rusalka, a water nymph who falls in love with a human prince and desperately seeks to become human to be with him. The witch Ježibaba grants Rusalka’s wish to become human but with a curse of silence. When the prince grows weary of her muteness and falls for a foreign princess, Rusalka’s heartbreak leads to a tragic conclusion.
“Rusalka” is not only a tale of tragic love but also a fable about the often-harsh human treatment of nature. Despite its somber themes, the opera avoids convoluted dramaturgy and socio-political analysis, focusing instead on the poignant story of Rusalka’s unfulfilled love. The opera features the famous "Song to the Moon," one of the most beloved arias in the Romantic repertoire, alongside a score that showcases Dvořák’s masterful orchestration and the distinct vocal qualities of each character.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of “Rusalka”. Tune in to WHRO 90.3 this Saturday at 1 PM, or stream online, for a lyrical journey that will linger in your heart long after the final note.
COMPOSER: Antonín Dvořák
LIBRETTO: Jaroslav Kvapil
VENUE: Opéra Royal de Wallonie, Liège
PRESENTING COMPANY: Opéra Royal de Wallonie
CAST:
Rusalka: Corinne Winters
Prince: Anton Rositskiy
Foreign Princess: Jana Kurucová
Vodník: Evgeny Stavinsky
Ježibaba: Nino Surguladze
The Gamekeeper: Jiří Rajniš
Turnspit / Kitchen boy: Hongni Wu
First Wood Sprite: Lucie Kaňková
Second Wood Sprite: Kateřina Hebelková
Third Wood Sprite: Sofia Janelidze
Hunter: Alexander Marev
Harmonium: Maddalena Altieri
ENSEMBLE: Orchestra and Chorus of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie
CONDUCTOR: Giampaolo Bisanti
