Set between land and water, fantasy and reality, the lyric fairy tale Rusalka offers a haunting meditation on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, asking what is lost when we fail to honor nature’s beauty and mystery. Audiences will recognize the story — widely considered the greatest of all Czech operas — as a darker operatic version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Co-produced with Pacific Opera Victoria and Detroit Opera, this new production and company premiere is conceptualized by director Brenna Corner, with sets by James Rotondo, both of whom were part of the creative “Dream Team” (Opera Today) for the Festival’s 2024 production of Pagliacci. Additional creatives include costume designer Judith Bowden and lighting designer Kate Ashton, with the Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra led by Music Director Joseph Colaneri.
Music by Antonín Dvořák
Libretto by Jaroslav Kvapil
Presented in Czech with English projected titles
Conductor | Joseph Colaneri
Director | Brenna Corner
Set Designer | James Rotondo
Costume Designer | Judith Bowden
Lighting Designer | Kate Ashton