SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 19th February (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Auditorio de Tenerife announced its original production of the opera ‘Rusalka’ by Antonín Dvorák, set to grace the stage of the Sala Sinfónica on the 5th, 7th and 9th of March at 7:30 p.m.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Culture of the Cabildo of Tenerife, José Carlos Acha; the artistic director of the Tenerife Auditorium, José Luis Rivero; the soprano Ángeles Blancas, portraying Rusalka; the musical director, the British conductor Paul Daniel; and the stage director, the Brazilian André Heller-Lopes, who is making his debut in Spain with this opera.
José Carlos Acha explained that this premiere coincides with the 120th anniversary of the death of the renowned Czech composer, the creator of this opera. He also mentioned the return of Ramón Gener, on Wednesday (the 21st) at 7:30 p.m. to the Chamber Hall, to further explore this opera in his talk-concert format. Acha commended the work “of this exceptionally talented team behind this production, featuring Ángeles Blancas in the lead, recently honoured with the XXI Best Opera Singer award.”
José Luis Rivero expressed anticipation in working with maestro Paul Daniel at Ópera de Tenerife, as well as with André Heller-Lopes, who brings “an interesting and intelligent proposal that will captivate everyone.” He mentioned that this marks the premiere of the opera in Tenerife as ‘Rusalka’ has never been featured before, and concluded by acknowledging the dedication of the entire team making the opera experience possible in Tenerife.
Paul Daniel reminisced about his early days as a repertoire artist in London, where ‘Rusalka’ had already made an impression on him. “Dvorák is a musical prodigy across all genres, and this opera stands as the pinnacle of his compositional work, radiating with a humane touch,” analysed the British conductor.
He praised the score, highlighting “how the dramatic twists of the story are reflected in the changes of the score’s hues.” “A proficient orchestra is indispensable for this opera, and fortunately, we have the Tenerife Symphony!” exclaimed the musical director.
André Heller-Lopes expressed his delight “to be here and especially with this Rusalka, akin to the sibling of Puccini’s operas and Dvorák being like a descendant of Wagner.” “I relish the liberty of being a classical or modern stage director, contingent on the demands of the opera, focusing on communication with the theatregoers,” elucidated the Brazilian director.
Regarding his concept, he found it compelling to alter realities: “Hence, act one and three, which typically represent the fantastic world, are, for us, reality, while act two, set in a palace, is conceived as reality.” , it is fantasy for us.” Heller-Lopes also mulled over the theme of “happily ever after, a concept that doesn’t truly exist, yet is a contemporary issue in this era of social networks, devastating wars and disinformation.” Finally, he accentuated his inspiration from the Orient following a recent trip to Persia.
The soprano Ángeles Blancas expressed her gratitude for portraying this character in Tenerife and acknowledged the boundary-defying creative commitment of Ópera de Tenerife. The soprano recalled debuting this role in 2007 and even then, despite being vocally prepared, “I felt that Rusalka needed more drama and darkness, so I am thrilled to revisit it and sing with those rich, full tones intermingled with darker melodies”. Therefore, this production signifies “a reunion with a familiar place that is artistically enriching for me.”
ABOUT RUSALKA.
‘Rusalka’, an opera in three acts premiered in 1901, features a libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil, loosely inspired by the fairy tale Undine (1811) by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué and influenced by ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1837) by Hans Christian Andersen and other European legends. Rusalka is Dvorák’s most renowned among the ten operas he composed, elevating his international renown. The opera is in Czech and will be presented with subtitles in Spanish and English.
Rusalka is a water nymph who implores a witch to transform her into a human so she can be with the prince she has fallen in love with, despite losing her voice. The tragic denouement of the opera differs from other renditions of the same tale, offering a less saccharine adaptation targeted at children.
The Heller-Lopes team includes set design by Renato Theobaldo, costumes by Marcelo Marques, and lighting design by Gonzalo Córdova. Additionally, the Brazilian director’s assistant, Franklin Davalos, also serves as the choreographer with the participation of Tenerife Ballet dancers. Videographer Derek Pedrós is responsible for the locally infused projections.
The British maestro Paul Daniel serves as the musical director and will conduct the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and the Tenerife Opera Choir-Intermezzo, under the leadership of Pablo Moras.
Ángeles Blancas will take on the role of Rusalka, marking her debut at Ópera de Tenerife. Bass Vazgen Gazaryan will portray Vodník, Rusalka’s father. The prince, Rusalka’s love interest, will be played by tenor Rodrigo Porras. Soprano Magdalena Anna Hofmann will embody the foreign princess who captivates the prince. Jezibaba, the witch who grants Rusalka’s wish, albeit with malevolent conditions, will be portrayed by mezzo-soprano Adriana Bignagni Lesca.
Three nymphs fill out the cast; soprano Julietta Aleksanyan and mezzo-sopranos Carmen Artaza and Maria Schellenberg. Baritone Jirí Brückler will undertake the roles of hunter and gamekeeper, while mezzo-soprano Nicole Chirka will depict the perceptive kitchen scull.
Tickets can be purchased via the website www.auditoriodetenerife.com, at the box office from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Alternatively, by phoning 902 317 327 during the same hours. Discounts are available for students, the unemployed, and large families, in addition to a €5 rate for those under 30 years of age.
