In light of the recent, reluctant cancellation of Leos Janacek’s 1921 masterpiece, Katya Kabanova, some have wondered aloud about the Dallas Opera’s track-record in producing works by this extraordinary composer and whether opera audiences in Dallas have ever had the opportunity to experience them.
In fact, the company has had some notable success in this regard, starting with our 1993 Jenufa, a new Francesca Zambello production created for TDO. How many of you remember that our first venture into Janacek’s canon starred an absolutely radiant Renee Fleming? This production was successfully revived in 2004 with a luminous Patricia Racette singing the title role, supported by a tremendous ensemble cast (my favorite production of the season; and I’ll admit it–I can’t get through the last ten minutes of the score without tears!).
The Dallas Opera also presented a stunning, new production of Katya Kabanova in 1997, as well as a revival of The Cunning Little Vixen (with author/illustrator Maurice Sendak’s eye-popping production design) in the year 2000.
And that doesn’t include the occasions when the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has programmed Janacek’s orchestral masterworks.
I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing more Janacek on the Dallas Opera stage in future seasons. If you’d like to hasten that day–please support the Dallas Opera with your subscriptions and your much-needed gifts. Call 214.443.1000. We can’t thank you enough!
Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR