English Touring Opera

Spring 2009

Katya Kabanova
Janacek
Performed in English

Janacek's mature opera Katya Kabanova is the moving story of a sensitive married woman who falls in love with an attractive young man. This near perfect blend of lyric music and drama is based on the classic Russian play, The Storm; like the play it is dominated by the river Volga, a brooding, fatal presence. Inspired by the composer's own deep love for a married woman, Katya is a woman with whom every listener falls in love, and who transcends the small town prejudices that overwhelm the other characters. This first ETO production of Janacek's intimate, intense love story promises to be an evening of strong feelings.

Recording courtesy of Chandos. Cat. No. CHAN 3145(2)

Janacek: Katya Kabanova - Excerpt Act 2, Sc 2
Victoria Simmonds (mezzo) – Varvara; Peter Wedd (tenor) – Vanya Kudryash
Orchestra of Welsh National Opera
Conductor: Carlo Rizzi

Katya Kabanova by Janacek

                Conductor              Michael Rosewell
                Director                 James Conway
                Designer                Adam Wiltshire
                    Katya                           Linda Richardson
                    Kabanicha                   Fiona Kimm
                    Varvara                       Jane Harrington
                    Boris                            Richard Roberts
                    Tichon                          Colin Judson
                    Kudryash                     Mike Bracegirdle
                    Kuligin                          Bob Davies
                    Dikoy                           Sion Goronwy
                    Feklusha                      Helen Johnson

English Touring Opera gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Arts Council England.