Performer: Kateřina Kněžíková

Smetana in Prague is never likely to be less than a delight, and the National Theatre assembles a fine cast for a revival of Alice Nellis' production of his greatest opera.

A revival of Robert Carsen's production at the Janáček Festival Preview benefits from an excellent cast and exemplary playing from the house ensemble.

Damiano Michieletto’s production of Janáček’s opera breaks a key tenet of high-concept opera: where it should reveal, it obfuscates. 

Under the baton of Semyon Bychkov, the Czech Philharmonic and a sprawling supporting cast lead listeners up a stairway to heaven. 

Directors Martin Kukučka and Lukáš Trpišovský, who work together as SKUTR, take on Dvořák’s Rusalka with a surfeit of ideas. 

Soprano Kateřina Kněžíková talks about embodying Dvořák’s water nymph who tragically yearns to become human – and her personal journey with this most famous of Czech operatic roles.