Kasper Holten on why he loves Dvorák's Rusalka
The Director of The Royal Opera offers his thoughts on a new production, which opens here this week.
In the first of a new series of films, Director of the Royal Opera Kasper Holten explains why he loves Dvorák’s Rusalka and why it’s perfect for newcomers and seasoned opera fans alike.
A dark adaptation of The Little Mermaid, Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito’s modern take on a traditional tale loaded with symbolism will be performed for the first time in it’s entirety at the Royal Opera House this week. Of the production, directors Wieler and Morabito told Jessica Duchen; “Everybody knows the tale. We are trying to go with that and to be playful with it. We decided not to have a naturalistic setting in a wood, but still to try to evoke a summer night’s dream atmosphere, which is a part of the score that you can’t just ignore.”
Dvorák’s score is also a firm favourite of Kasper’s. Grand and atmospheric, it features sumptuous melodies as well as the titular character’s famous Song to the Moon.
Listen to an extract from an interview with Revival Director Samantha Seymour:
I felt moved just thinking about it! Have always love "Song to the moon anyway" but it must be wonderful to experience it in its original context. When is the DVD out????
I am going tomorrow. Your photos look a bit crude. You almost put me off... but I am very excited to listen to Dvorak!