“The world of magical creatures and mermaids exists just beyond our realm, waiting in long-ago memories. Dvořák’s lush and richly textured soundscape takes this world and transforms it into a musical experience that gently settles into your soul. When the water sprite Rusalka sings her famous 'Song to the Moon,' yearning for her human lover, one feels the touch of magic and childhood again.”
Here are five of the many reasons why you won't want to miss Rusalka:
The 2023 production of Rusalka will be the first time in Portland Opera's history that we've performed Dvořák’s stunning opera.
Rusalka is set in a mystical forest full of magic, beautiful trees, witches, nymphs, and other majestic beings: which will make us Oregonians feel right at home.
Soprano Karen Vuong, who recently sang Mimì in La Bohème at Seattle Opera, makes her Portland Opera debut in the title role of Rusalka. Tenor Ben Gulley makes his company debut as the Prince. Mezzo-soprano Jill Grove makes her company debut as Ježibaba, a role she has sung with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, as well as New Orleans Opera. Also making their Portland Opera debuts are bass Andrew Potter as Vodnik “The Spirit of the Lake,” and soprano Othalie Graham as the Foreign Princess.
Why aren't there more songs to the moon in life, or in general? Rusalka's dreamy aria is the most popular piece from the opera, where she asks the moon to tell her beloved about her. This piece is often sung in concert -- Interlude pulled together a playlist of some of their favorite renditions. Listen here.
Do we need to say more? 🧜♀️. You can find environmentally-friendly glitter to wear in celebration by visiting our friends and neighbors at The Lippman Company. They have many colors and it is BEAUTIFUL, just like you.
