Jenůfa at the Dutch National Opera
Jenůfa is a searing family drama of rivalry and jealousy, which tells of one family member being killed to restore the reputation of another. The Dutch National Opera introduces three world-class singers to play the trio of female leads of this moving psychological drama.
A brief synopsis of Jenůfa
Jenůfa tells the heartbreaking tale of oppression and judgement, a love story and a family battle. Jenůfa gets pregnant and is abandoned by her baby’s father. Jenůfa’s stepmother kills the baby in an attempt to save Jenůfa’s reputation. When the baby-killer is arrested, Jenůfa is free to marry the man she truly loves.
About the opera singers
Three world-class opera singers take on the trio of leading ladies in Jenůfa. Annette Dasch makes her debut in the titular role, Hanna Schwarz, a Bayreuth favourite sings the part of Grandmother Stařenka, while Evelyn Herlitzius is Jenufa’s stepmother Kostelnička.
Following in the composer’s footsteps
The work’s composer, Leoš Janáček drew his ispiration from his native Czech language and the country’s folk music and its people. Conducting the DNO, Tomáš Netopil, also Czech like the composer, brings a sensibility and awareness of the inflections of the Czech language in his interpretation of this masterpiece.
The opera is directed by Katie Mitchell, who has previously also directed Lessons in Love and Violence and Written on Skin at the Dutch National Opera. She says: “I constantly focus my attention on female experience and perception. There aren’t many female directors, and somebody has to do it. I feel like it’s my responsibility.”
The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra has been associated with the Dutch National Opera since 1985 and is revered as one of the world’s leading opera orchestras. As well as regular opera and ballet performances, the NedPhO also performs at Concertgebouw and at other major concert halls in the Netherlands and abroad.
Book your opera seats online
Tickets to Jenůfa are available on the Dutch National Opera website. Book your opera tickets in advance before all the good seats are taken!