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Performer: Prague National Theatre Opera

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Trojan’s Carousel: a magical night of dreams come true in Prague

Kolotoč (Carousel) © Martin Špelda
A vintage opera at the National Theatre offers charming adventures for children and musical sophistication for adults.
*****
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Parsifal reconsidered: A provocative improvisation in Prague

State Opera Chorus © Serghei Gherciu
Timo Riihonen and Ester Pavlů stand out in a strong cast which carries Andreas Homoki's revised version of Wagner's final opera.
****1
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Musically excellent Bartered Bride in Prague marred by meta production

Alžběta Poláčková (Mařenka), Maria Kobielska (Ludmila), Jiří Hájek (Krušina), Zdeněk Plech (Kecal) © Zdeněk Sokol
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.
****1
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In Prague, a high-minded new Rheingold never gets off the ground

Adam Plachetka (Wotan) © Petr Neubert
Sláva Daubnerová's contemporary treatment of the Ring opener at the Prague National Theatre is socially ambitious but artistically disappointing.
***11
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Dido and Aeneas in Prague: wide-eyed wonderment

Markéta Cukrová (Dido), Lukáš Bařák (Aeneas) © Serghei Gherciu
Alice Nellis' staging of Purcell's masterpiece is both historically faithful and innovatively modern. With Collegium 1704 providing the early music chops, it's a rare treat.
*****
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Revival of Ostrčil’s The Legend of Erin misses the mark in Prague

Seth Carico (Finn) and Jana Vrána (National Theatre Opera Ballet) © Petr Neubert
An ambitious effort to honor hometown hero Otakar Ostrčil sags under its own weight at the Prague National Theatre. 
***11
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How to sing infanticide: Karita Mattila on Jenůfa

Karita Mattila as the Kostelnička with Prague National Theatre Opera in Savonlinna, July 2024 © Jussi Selvenoinnen
The Finnish soprano doesn’t like the word evil. Her approach to singing villain roles is to find the humanity in the character – which is always there. 

Prophet and mother to the Czechs: Smetana’s Libuše

Libuše at Prague National Theatre, 2018 © Hana Smejkalová
A festive opera of pomp and pageantry, Smetana’s Libuše forms a central place in the Czech musical and national imagination. Soprano Mária Porubčinová talks about taking on the unique leading role.

At the centre of Prague opera: Per Boye Hansen

Per Boye Hansen © Prague National Theatre
Director of the Prague National Theatre and State Opera talks about the challenges of heading up this huge institution – and what is coming in the Year of Czech Music 2024.