Opera Vlaanderen starts its new 2016-2017 season - with ‘Borderline’ as its theme - on the divide between life and death. Is eternal life a life? This is the crucial question Leoš Janáček asks in his penultimate opera Věc Makropulos or The Makropoulos Affair. Following the very popular Janáček cycle with Jenůfa, The Cunning Little Vixen and Katya Kabanova, the programme once again includes a work by this Czech composer.
Following his powerful debut with Duke Bluebeard’s Castle/Winterreise in 2014, the Hungarian filmmaker and Cannes winner Kornél Mundruczó returns to Opera Vlaanderen to direct this new production. He explores the transcendent and science fiction elements in the story and produces highly visual theatre full of special effects. In his view, the main character Emilia Marty, who is more than 300 years old, is not just an opera diva but almost an alien seeking a human identity.
Under the musical direction of Czech conductor Tomáš Netopil– who was previously a guest in Samson et Dalila, Die Zauberflöte and La Juive – Janáček’s rock solid score is in excellent hands.
The intendant Aviel Cahn and the whole Opera Vlaanderen team cordially invite you to attend one of the two opening performances. You can choose between the premiere at Opera Antwerp, Frankrijklei 3, at 8 pm on Wednesday 14th September or the premiere at Opera Ghent, Schouwburgstraat 3, at 8 pm on Sunday 2nd October.
In the main roles we see the Swiss soprano Rachel Harnisch– who we still vividly remember from L’Amour de Loin and Le Duc d’Albe – as the enigmatic Emilia Marty. The Viennese baritone Michael Kraus, a familiar name at Opera Vlaanderen, performs the role of Jaroslav. The German tenor Michael Laurenz, who has been thrilling audiences from Zurich to Paris, will be making his debut here in the role of Albert Gregor. Vitek’s role is performed by the young tenor Sam Furness, who already has a solid reputation in the 20th-century opera repertoire. On this occasion, Guy De Mey, who regularly receives invitations from all over the world for the role of Vitek, will perform the role of Count Hauk-Sendorf.
Vĕc Makropulos
The Makropulos Affair
Opera in three acts
Libretto by the composer based on the comedy by Karel Čapek
First performed Brno, 1926
New production
Musical direction Tomáš Netopil
Director Kornél Mundruczó
Sets and costumes Monika Pormale
Lighting Felice Ross
Chorus Master Jan Schweiger
Emilia Marty Rachel Harnisch
Jaroslav Prus Michael Kraus
Albert Gregor Michael Laurenz
Vítek Sam Furness
Kristina Raehann Bryce-Davis
Count Hauk-Šendorf Guy De Mey
Dr. Kolenatý Károly Szemerédy
Janek Prus Adam Smith
A stage hand Thierry Vallier
A maid Bea Desmet
A room maid Birgit Langenhuysen
Opera Vlaanderen Symphony Orchestra
Opera Vlaanderen Chorus
OPERA ANTWERP
wed 14, Fri 16, Sun 18°, Tue 20, Thu 22 sep 8 pm/°3 pm
OPERA GENT
Sun 2, Tue 4, Fri 7, Sun 9° oct 8 pm/°3 pm
Tickets: €14 - €112 | operaballet.be | 0032 (0)70/22.02.02
The Makropulos Affair
Opera in three acts
Libretto by the composer based on the comedy by Karel Čapek
First performed Brno, 1926
New production
Musical direction Tomáš Netopil
Director Kornél Mundruczó
Sets and costumes Monika Pormale
Lighting Felice Ross
Chorus Master Jan Schweiger
Emilia Marty Rachel Harnisch
Jaroslav Prus Michael Kraus
Albert Gregor Michael Laurenz
Vítek Sam Furness
Kristina Raehann Bryce-Davis
Count Hauk-Šendorf Guy De Mey
Dr. Kolenatý Károly Szemerédy
Janek Prus Adam Smith
A stage hand Thierry Vallier
A maid Bea Desmet
A room maid Birgit Langenhuysen
Opera Vlaanderen Symphony Orchestra
Opera Vlaanderen Chorus
OPERA ANTWERP
wed 14, Fri 16, Sun 18°, Tue 20, Thu 22 sep 8 pm/°3 pm
OPERA GENT
Sun 2, Tue 4, Fri 7, Sun 9° oct 8 pm/°3 pm
Tickets: €14 - €112 | operaballet.be | 0032 (0)70/22.02.02