The Portland Opera will present the work in the 2022/23 season, along with Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka. With haunting melodies and captivating visuals, Rusalka tells the story of her timeless themes of love, sacrifice and self-discovery. In addition to an amazing cast of leading artists, this production features the Portland Opera choir and orchestra, bringing the operatic magic of this beloved Czech girlfriend to life in our largest production ever. The Portland Opera will perform her three performances of Rusalka on April 22, 28, 2023, 30 minutes, at Keller Her Auditorium.
In this centuries-old folktale with roots in Slavic mythology, a water fairy falls in love with a prince. With the help of the moon and a witch, she ignored her father’s advice and gave up her home and voice to win the love of a prince in a dry land. When things don’t go his way, the chagrin prince seeks redemption, and heartbreak reigns in the land of true love.You can find the full synopsis of Rusalka here(Note: Although this story may sound like a familiar fairy tale, this opera is rated PG-13 and is not recommended for young children.)
“We’ve been hearing from our audiences for years that they want to see Rusalka,” he said. I can’t wait to experience the magic of opera for the first time.”
Soprano Karen Vong has recently performed with Seattle Opera, Washington National Opera, Tiroler Festspiel, and will make her Portland Opera debut in the title role of Rusalka. Tenor Kevin Ray, whose recent credits include his role debut at the Metropolitan Opera and his role as Prince at the Arizona Opera, will make his debut as Prince. Mezzo-soprano Jill Grove will make her company debut as Jezi Baba, who has sung lyrics in her Chicago operas, the Houston Grand Opera, and her New Orleans operas. Also, bassist Andrew Potter will make his Portland Opera debut as Vodnick “Lake Fairy” and soprano Ottery Graham as Fallen Princess.
The General Music Director of Elias Grandi Opera and the Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra conducts Rusalka in her Portland Opera debut. Eric Simonson, screenwriter and director of film, television, theater and opera, makes his company debut as a stage director. Portland native Sean Keylock, who recently choreographed “When the Sun Rises,” returns as choreographer for this production.
The scenery and facilities were designed by Erhard Rom, the costumes were designed by Kärin Simonson Kopischke, the projections were designed by Wendall K. Harrington, and the lighting was designed by Robert M Wierzel. The production’s sets, properties, projections and costumes are produced by Minnesota Opera Shop and are owned by Minnesota Opera and Boston Lyric Opera.
Additional information about Rusalka can be found in the latest issue of Toi, Toi Toi Magazine.Featuring cast biographies, an interview between director Eric Simonson and conductor Elias Grundy, and a work by Hannah Penn on the origins of opera. Additionally, the talented librarians at the Multnomah County Libraries have created a reading list to support the audience experience of this opera. here.
This production was made possible with the support of Elk Cove Vineyards.
The Portland Opera is grateful for the continued support of generous donors from the Collins Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Community Foundation, and the Regional Arts and Culture Council. . Special support from the Portland, Multnomah County, and Arts Education and Access Funds, the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, and the Closed Venue Operator Grant (SVOG) program.
Performances take place at 7:30 pm at the Keller Auditorium, with the exception of the matinee on April 30, which begins at 2:00 pm. An hour before his performance, the audience is invited to a pre-performance lecture. After each performance, the audience is invited to a post-show conversation with the company and cast members.
Rusalka is sung in Czech with English subtitles. Running time is 3 hours and 10 minutes, with 2 intermissions. A magical outfit is definitely recommended.
Student tickets for all Rusalka performances are $10. For more information, call 503-241-1802 Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Additionally, the company is working with county library systems to provide library cardholders with a number of free tickets.Learn more about Multnomah County My Discovery PassClackamas County Cultural Pass Express, and Washington County adventure pass.
Oregon Trail Card holders can take advantage of the Arts for All program by calling 503-241-1802 anytime during the season. Portland Opera offers 2 tickets for $5.00 per Oregon Trail Card for each performance. The User Services team will ask for your Oregon Trail Card number during the first call.
The 2:00 PM performance on April 30 will include an audio description of the visual and physical events on stage for visually impaired or low vision patrons. For deaf and hard of hearing patrons, each performance is visually translated with English text projected as live captions on stage.
Tickets for Rusalka are now on sale.Find out more and buy tickets here portlandopera.org Or call Patron Service at 503-241-1802. For more information, you can also contact the Opera Concierge at concierge@portlandopera.org Monday through Friday from 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The Portland Opera is committed to keeping our artists, musicians, office workers, audience and staff safe. A mask is recommended.Find more information about the Portland Opera’s COVID-19 policy here.
