Graceful music, sharp comedy, crazy intrigue, enchanting melodies, entertaining protagonists, fulfilled love, happy-ever-afters with a touch of melancholy… What’s your favourite thing about operetta?
We are taken into its joyful, dazzling world with the traditional Operetta Gala held at the Róż Avenue (31 August). “As in previous years, we present excerpts from some of the most popular operas and operettas – if you love beautiful voices and greatest hits of classical music, make sure you join us in Nowa Huta! And, as in previous years, all participants receive roses. This year’s events form a part of the 70th anniversary of Nowa Huta,” explains Izabela Helbin, director of the Krakow Festival Office.
The most beautiful spot in the district welcomes guests straight from The Land of Smiles, including The Countess Maritza, The Csardas Princess, The Gypsy Baron, The Tsarevich and Paganini. Arias and duets from classic operettas by Franz Lehár, Johann Strauss and Imre Kálmán are performed by soloists of the Kraków Opera including Agnieszka Kuk, Małgorzata Korybalska, Tadeusz Szlenkier, Adam Szerszeń and Jarosław Bielecki, accompanied by the Kraków Opera Orchestra under the baton of Tomasz Tokarczyk. The artists also recall the 200th anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Moniuszko falling this year: the Róż Avenue resounds with Jadwiga’s ballad from The Haunted Manor and dashing Highlander dances from Halka. Let’s go to Varaždin… erm, we mean Nowa Huta! (Barbara Skowrońska)