The Bartered Bride
(Prodaná Nevěsta)
By Bedřich Smetana
March 24, 28, 30, April 1, 2007
Sung in Czech with English surtitles
A Baltimore Opera Premiere.
Liars And Tyrants and Bears, Oh My!
Italy 's defeat of Austria (around 1860) opened the door for Czechoslovakia to begin exerting its own independence. And this spirit of nationalism soon found its way into Czech music and arts inspiring Smetana to write this tale of a clever young girl who asserts her independence to free herself from her family's control.
A joyful Bohemian village is the backdrop for the story of Mařenka, whose parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy, but dim-witted Vašek. But, of course, Mařenka is hopelessly in love with the penniless stranger Jeník. Eventually Jeník agrees to barter away his right to marry Mařenka, she agrees to marry his brother and then the traveling circus comes to town.
The overture is one of the most popular pieces in the concert repertoire and the opera is a delightful mélange of Czech folk melodies and dance rhythms. The musicality, plot and romantic intrigues make The Bartered Bride the most enduring of Smetana's compositions and one of the most entertaining works in the light opera repertoire.
Joining the BOC this season will be Valentin Prolat and Dana Burešová, both accomplished singers with the Opera of the National Theatre in Prague. Mr. Prolat has sung the role of Jeník many times at the National Theatre, as well as the roles of Rodolfo in La Bohème and Ismaele in Nabucco at the National Theatre in Prague and the Grand Theatre de Geneve. Miss Burešová is admired for her portrayals of Micaëla in Carmen, Mařenka in The Bartered Bride, and the High Priestess in Aïda. Czech conductor Oliver von Dohnányi, will lead the Baltimore Opera Orchestra. He has served as the principal conductor of the Opera of the National Theatre in Prague, conducted with many prestigious European symphonies and conducted the premiere performances of works by several Czech and Slovak composers.
Running time approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes.
3/24, 3/30 at 8:15 pm, 3/28 at 7:30 pm, 4/1 at 3:00 pm
| CAST | |
| Jeník | Valentin Prolat |
| Kecal | Gregory Frank |
| Mařenka | Dana Burešová |
| Conductor | Oliver von Dohnányi |
 Valentin Prolat |
 Gregory Frank |
 Dana Burešová |
 Oliver Von Dohnányi |