SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 4th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Tenerife Auditorium will premiere its own rendition of the opera ‘Rusalka’ by Antonín Dvorák this Tuesday. The lead role will be played by Basque soprano Vanessa Goikoetxea for the opening night, while Angeles Blancas will step in on Thursday 7th and Saturday 9th due to Goikoetxea’s slight indisposition.
Vanessa Goikoetxea is in awe of the wardrobe for Rusalka, stating “it is one of the most exquisite designs I have ever seen.” She expresses feeling very supported and loved by the entire team despite her short time in the production, mentioning that “I feel right at home.”
Goikoetxea finds the character of Rusalka vocally comfortable, allowing her to explore its dramatic and emotional dimensions. She emphasizes Dvorák’s ability to infuse lyricism into the music, making the vocal performance challenging yet rewarding.
The soprano encourages the audience to immerse themselves in unfamiliar worlds, assuring them that they will experience a cathartic journey during the performance. She had previously debuted as Rusalka in Nice last January, receiving praise for her strong and effortless performance.
The cast includes bass Vazgen Gazaryan as Vodník, tenor Rodrigo Porras as the prince, soprano Magdalena Anna Hofmann as the foreign princess, and mezzo-soprano Adriana Bignagni Lesca as Jezibaba. Additional roles are portrayed by soprano Julietta Aleksanyan, mezzo-sopranos Carmen Artaza and Maria Schellenberg, baritone Jirí Brückler, and mezzo-soprano Nicole Chirka.
This production of ‘Rusalka’, marking the island’s debut of Dvorák’s opera, coincides with the 120th anniversary of the composer’s death. The libretto, based on European legends and fairy tales, is set in Czech and subtitled in Spanish and English.
The theatrical direction by André Heller-Lopes blends classical and contemporary elements, with scenic designs showcasing Canarian coastlines, oriental influences, and nature’s magic. The production features opulent sets, intricate costumes, and enchanting visual effects.
A team of international artists, led by British conductor Paul Daniel, has collaborated to bring this innovative staging to life. Ticket sales are open to the public with discounts available for students, unemployed individuals, and large families, as well as a special rate of 5 Euros for patrons under 30 years of age.
