Breathtakingly theatrical Rusalka!

Melly Still’s “spine-tingling” Rusalka is a Glyndebourne Classic – a magical contemporary reimagining of a much-loved fairy tale.

Praised by critics as “magnificent”, “breathtakingly theatrical” and full of “zestful imagination”, Melly Still’s “spine-tingling” Rusalka is a Glyndebourne classic – a magical contemporary reimagining of a much-loved fairy tale. Light and darkness, beauty and danger come together in this passionate tale of love against the odds.

At once evocative and unsettling, this production collides two contrasting worlds in Rae Smith’s elegant designs made of “brilliant stage-pictures”. Rusalka’s forest home is a dappled space of sunshine and shadows, full of strange woodland creatures, while the Prince’s court is a world of sleek modernity and sophistication – a world of man.

Two Glyndebourne favourites make their production debut here: Soprano Sally Matthews takes the title role of water-nymph Rusalka, with mezzo-soprano Patricia Bardon as her nemesis, the witch Ježibaba, and the opera is conducted by Glyndebourne’s own music director Robin Ticciati.

Genre Opera
Recording location Glyndebourne
Recording date 7 August 2019
Production year 2019
Director Melly Still
Light Design Paule Constable
Sets Rae Smith
Orchestra / Band London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor Robin Ticciati
Choir The Glyndebourne Chorus