Details

The Two Widows is brimming with musical wit in some of the most charming, life-affirming music Smetana ever wrote. He reveals a deep understanding of human foibles in this gentle and fun tale of Czech country life in the late 19th century. Two young widows, living a quiet country life, have sharply contrasting attitudes to life: Karolina lives for the future, enjoys life and love and runs her estate with great independence; Anezka is in denial of her true feelings, wishes to remain faithful to her husband and buries herself in the past. When a handsome stranger appears, Karolina guesses his reasons and instigates a mischievous game of love and jealousy. The opera is based on a French farce by Jean Pierre Félicien Mallefille which Smetana transposed to the world of the Czech landed gentry. He set out to write an opera in 'the distinguished salon style' to show that the Czech repertoire could contain more than folksy or high-toned patriotic pieces. This is a delicate comedy, gentle, warm-hearted and melodic. New Production. Staged performance sung in English with English supertitles. Supported by Lord and Lady Laidlaw and the Scottish Opera Syndicate. Supported by The scottish Government Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund. Run time 2 hours 30 minutes.

Cast/Performers

Kate Valentine (Karolina Zaleska), Jane Irwin (Anezka Miletinska), Nicholas Folwell (Mumlal), David Pomeroy (Ladislav Podhajsky), Ben Johnson (Tonik - a peasant), Rebecca Ryan (Lidka - a maid)

Creatives/Company

Music: Smetana
Corporate Sponsor: ScotRail
Producer: Edinburgh International Festival
Company: Scottish Opera
Conductor: Francesco Corti
Director(s): Tobias Hoheisel, Imogen Kogge
Design: Tobias Heheisel
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Choreographer: Kally Lloyd-Jones
Other: Micaela von Marcard (dramaturg)