Beczała & Grigorian in Rusalka: Liceu Barcelona Review

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Dvořák‘s ‘Undine‘ Concludes Liceu‘s Season with Stellar Performances

Barcelona – The Liceu’s 2024-2025 opera season drew to a close with a captivating rendition of Dvořák’s “Undine,” leaving audiences spellbound. This production, staged at the Great Theater of the High School, featured exceptional performances, particularly from its leading stars.

A Night of Vocal Brilliance

The performances of Dvořák’s opera “Undine” were a fitting end to liceu’s opera season. But the season isn’t quite over yet. A couple of concerts of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story are still coming,featuring Nadine sierra and Juan Diego Flórez.

Asmik Grigorian (Rusalka), piotr Beczała (Prince) and karita Mattila (Foreign princess)

Staging and Set Design

The production was lauded for its innovative staging, especially in the third act, mainly driven by the exceptional work of Piotr Beczała and Asmik Grigorian. The set design maintained a consistent aesthetic throughout the opera, featuring a large, open space with arches in the background. The water kingdom scenes were cleverly suggested by the addition of rocks to the front of the stage. Costumes were modern and visually appealing.

Performances That defined the night

Soprano Asmik grigorian’s portrayal of Rusalka,a water nymph longing to be human,was both vocally and dramatically outstanding. Her ballet steps “en pointe” added another layer of brilliance to her performance. Tenor Piotr Beczała as the prince delivered what many are calling an unbeatable performance. His vocal beauty, unparalleled expressiveness, and ease across his entire range created a truly memorable experience.

asmik Grigorian (Rusalka) and Piotr Beczała (Prince)

While the audience showed great thankfulness for Ježibaba, it is Vodník, Rusalka’s father, that remains the more important role. Bass Aleksandros Stavrakakis was adequate in the part, but might have added something more to this essential character. Mezzo-soprano okka von der Damerau’s performance as Ježibaba was satisfactory. Karita Mattila brought her veteran star power to the role of the Foreign Princess. Laura orueta and David Oller, playing comic roles, delivered strong performances, as did Juliette Aleksayan, Laura Fleur, and Alyona Abramova as the Nymphs, and Manel Esteve as the Gamekeeper.

The Creative Team Behind “Undine”

The success of “Undine” owes much to its creative team:

• Director: Christof loy
• Stage Director: Johannes Stepanek
• Sets: Johannes Leiacker
• Costumes: Ursula Renzenbrink
• Lighting: Bernd Purkrabek
• Choreography: Klevis Elmazaj
• Conductor: Josep Pons

Cast List

The cast for “Undine” included:

• Rusalka: Asmik Grigorian
• Prince: Piotr Beczała
• water Sprite: Aleksandros Stavrakakis
• Ježibaba: Okka von der Damerau
• Foreign Princess: Karita Mattila
• Gamekeeper: Manel Esteve
• Marmot: Laura orueta
• Hunter: David oller
• First Nymph: juliette Aleksanyan
• Second Nymph: Laura Fleur
• Third Nymph: Alyona Abramova

Audience Acclaim

The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with a triumphant tribute paid to the leading couple, Piotr Beczała and Asmik Grigorian, during the curtain calls.

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A Stellar Cast in a Timeless Opera

The Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona recently hosted a remarkable production of Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka, featuring the powerhouse pairing of Piotr Beczała as the Prince and Asmik Grigorian in the title role. This review delves into the key aspects of this highly anticipated performance, exploring the vocal prowess, staging, and overall impact of this unforgettable opera experience. The collaboration between these artists and the experienced Liceu ensemble made this a memorable evening,garnering strong reviews and eager audience reactions. Witnessing rusalka at the Liceu is experiencing opera at its finest.

Key performers and Roles

The cast assembled for this Rusalka was undeniably extraordinary. The leads delivered outstanding performances that captivated audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the leading roles and the artists who embodied them:

• Asmik Grigorian: As Rusalka, bringing a depth of emotion and vocal beauty to the water nymph.
• Piotr Beczała: As the Prince, providing a powerful presence and vocal brilliance characteristic of his celebrated career.
• Karita mattila: As the Foreign Princess, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a complex character.
• Aleksandros Stavrakakis: As Vodník, the Water Goblin, adding a touch of mystery and authority.
• Okka von der Damerau: As Ježibaba, the witch, embodying the otherworldy forces at play within the opera.

The casting choices were crucial, and each performer brought their unique artistry to their roles, creating a cohesive and profoundly moving experience.

Performance Highlights and Critical Acclaim

This production of Rusalka at the Liceu was widely praised by critics and opera enthusiasts. Audiences came ready to see a powerful story unfold. The chemistry between Beczała and Grigorian was palpable, contributing to the emotional intensity of their scenes. The staging and direction also received positive reviews. The production successfully combined the beauty of Dvořák’s score with a visually compelling presentation. The Liceu’s own orchestra played a critical role in delivering a memorable experience for the crowd.

Review Snippets

While specific reviews may vary, the overall reception of the production at the Liceu was positive. Here are some of the common themes found in the opera reviews:

• praised the stellar vocal performance by Beczała and Grigorian.
• Highlighted the quality of orchestral support.
• Discussed the effectiveness of visual elements in enhancing the narrative.
• it was viewed as a must-see opera performance.

The production’s ability to resonate with audiences on an emotional level was a key aspect of its success.

Why This Rusalka production Matters

The production of *Rusalka* at the Liceu, featuring Piotr Beczała and Asmik Grigorian, is a notable event for several reasons.beyond the outstanding performances, the production is a demonstration of how opera can combine amazing singing with dramatic storytelling. The performance contributes to the rich cultural heritage of opera. the overall experience provides an possibility to connect with the art form to diffrent audiences through opera and other productions.

Liceu Barcelona: A Premier Opera House

The Gran Teatre del Liceu, as a venue itself, provides an extraordinary setting for any opera performance.its history, its acoustics, and the atmosphere work hand-in-hand for a memorable experience.For opera lovers, visiting the Liceu goes beyond seeing a performance; it is an experience to relish in history. Check the Liceu website for more details on this and forthcoming performances.

the combination of captivating vocals,outstanding performances,and a respected venue elevate this production to a must-see for opera fans. Audiences will remember the performances of both Grigorian and Beczała for a long time.