Opera in the Botanical Garden
Opera in the Botanical Garden
This year, not only birds’ singing will be heard in the oldest Botanical Garden in Poland; in the setting of blooming magnolias, arias, ensembles and choral parts from the greatest operas in history will also fill the air. A journey into the world of bel canto with the greatest artists, a marriage of genres, composing styles and multiple performers: all of this will be offered by the “Opera in the Botanical Garden” series. It will comprise three events: “Mozart. Là ci darem la mano” (15 and 16 May 2021), “Choirs at Dusk” (22 May 2021) and “The Elixir of Love” (9 and 10 2021 July).
In the Land of Mozart and Bel Canto
“Là ci darem la mano” – give me your hand – is a theme from the hit duet from “Don Giovanni” and it also be used as the motto of the first concert attended by the audience after the long pandemic break. The Kraków Opera will make use of Mozart's music and the convention of outdoor concerts, typical for his time, to introduce the audience to the colourful world of opera, starting the narrative with the solo hits of outstanding operatic works of the Vienna classic. The narrative of the music meetings will be designated by early singspiel “The Abduction from the Seraglio”, trough opera buffa “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Cosi Fan Tutte”, dramma giocoso “Don Giovanni” and up to the last fantasy opera “The Magic Flute.” Performances will be given by the soloists and the orchestra of the Kraków Opera conducted by Tomasz Tokarczyk.
During the next edition of the series, “Choirs at Dusk”, the audience will listen to popular choral parts. Extensive sound volume, integrating character, multiple vocal timbres and stylistic diversity: all of this will be experienced at the concert on 22 May. At sunset, in the natural setting, the audience will hear fragments of popular operas, including Verdi's “Nabucco”, Moniuszko's “Halka” and Borodin’s “Prince Igor.” There will also be dance parts and many other music surprises. The Choir of the Kraków Opera will be accompanied by soloists ˗ Agnieszka and Tomasz Kuk, in the duet from “Othello” and in their signature arias.
On the hot July evening, during the final meeting from the series, on 9 and 10 July, the audience will enjoy melodies from one of the most important operatic works of Gaetano Dionizetti. The repertoire features “The Elixir of Love” opera, known as the “gem of bel canto.” The natural setting will provide a perfect backdrop for the emotional adventures of Adina and Nemorino and love confessions of the main characters.
During the next edition of the series, “Choirs at Dusk”, the audience will listen to popular choral parts. Extensive sound volume, integrating character, multiple vocal timbres and stylistic diversity: all of this will be experienced at the concert on 22 May. At sunset, in the natural setting, the audience will hear fragments of popular operas, including Verdi's “Nabucco”, Moniuszko's “Halka” and Borodin’s “Prince Igor.” There will also be dance parts and many other music surprises. The Choir of the Kraków Opera will be accompanied by soloists ˗ Agnieszka and Tomasz Kuk, in the duet from “Othello” and in their signature arias.
On the hot July evening, during the final meeting from the series, on 9 and 10 July, the audience will enjoy melodies from one of the most important operatic works of Gaetano Dionizetti. The repertoire features “The Elixir of Love” opera, known as the “gem of bel canto.” The natural setting will provide a perfect backdrop for the emotional adventures of Adina and Nemorino and love confessions of the main characters.
