HUBIČKA [The Kiss]
Bedřich Smetana
HUBIČKA [The Kiss]
Opera
The new SND building, Opera and Ballet hall
12. 10. 2024 19:00 h - 21:15 h
Schedule of performances
Lukáš, a young widower with a child, was to marry Vendulka, but they are both stubborn. As soon as they met, they argued about a little kiss, which Vendulka, out of piety to the deceased, didn't want to give to Lukáš before the wedding. Therefore, Lukáš deliberately came under Vendulka's windows with the girls to humiliate his sweetheart. However, he regretted his action and apologised to Vendulka. She forgave him and wanted to prove him right, but Lukáš refused the kiss that time. Eventually, they fell into each other's arms.
This poetic work is a gem of beautiful Czech melodies, including the famous lullaby Hajej, můj andílku - Letěla bělounká holubička [Sleep well my little angel - A white dove flew over]. The libretto by Karolína Světlá is based on a true story, and the opera is a passionate and touching celebration of love. Hubička also has a special meaning for the Slovak National Theatre - on the same day as the new première - March 1, 1920, the new Slovak National Theatre was opened with the opera.
This production is presented on the occasion of the Year of Czech Music and the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana's birth.
Running time: 2 hrs 15 mins with one interval
The crystal clear direction of Andrea Hlinková: "The director Andrea Hlinková hasn't tried to turn it into something else; she hasn't tried to reveal hidden themes or reveal hidden motivations. Rather, she has accepted the opera for what it is - a simple folk tale - and staged it as such... Overall, it was a visually appealing production with a strong dynamic pace that made the most of what appeared to be a weak plot on paper."
Musically strong performance: "The musical aspect of the performance was handled by the conductor Jaroslav Kyzlink, who created a lively, beautifully balanced interpretation of the Orchestra of the SND Opera. From the beginning, the work had a liveliness and vigour that pushed the plot forward... The star of the evening was certainly soprano Mária Porubčinová in the role of Vendulka, whom she portrayed as an emotionally sensitive and at the same time strong personality, who was willing to give up even her beloved man for her principles."
Première March 1, 2024
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