Let’s start with a riddle. An idyllic stroll along the river among rose and jasmine shrubs, the song of a mechanical doll imitating birdsong, a rousing toast to prosperity, a passionate warning of love’s deadly power, a ruthless princess issuing an order forbidding anyone from sleeping… Which five operatic hits are we talking about?
The Flower Duet from Delibes’ Lakmé, Olympia’s stunning aria from Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, Alfredo’s toast Libiamo ne’ lieti calici from Verdi’s La traviata, the passionate Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen and Nessun dorma from Puccini’s Turandot – one of the world’s most famous arias – resound during this year’s Operetta Gala held at the Róż Avenue in Nowa Huta on 8 September. The scene erected in the very heart of Nowa Huta welcomes Katarzyna Oleś-Blacha, Monika Korybalska, Andrzej Lampert and Tomasz Kuk accompanied by the Kraków Opera Orchestra under the baton of Tomasz Tokarczyk.
“We are expanding our collaboration with the Kraków Opera to present artists working with the institution, as well as performing a repertoire of the most beautiful operas and operettas. Join us in Nowa Huta to hear stunning voices performing some of the most beloved arias and hits,” says Izabela Helbin, director of the Krakow Festival Office. She adds, “We will also present captivating songs from the repertoire of Jan Kiepura and favourite Neapolitan songs, while the audience will receive thousands of white and red roses as part of the celebrations of the centenary of Poland’s independence.”
The Operetta Gala is hosted by the City of Kraków and the Krakow Festival Office, joined by the Kraków Opera. (Barbara Skowrońska)
