catalogue

The opera Jenůfa (Czech title "Její pastorkyňa") belongs among Janáček’s best works. He started working on it in 1894 and finished it in 1904 after long preparations of his new method of composition, which was influenced by folk songs and mainly by speech melodies. His creative process was also affected by the suffering of his dying daughter Olga. This was not the only hardship he had to endure. After the first night of Jenůfa in Brno, he deeply wanted Jenůfa to be performed in the National Theatre, but after many refusals the opera was staged there as late as 1916 following intercessions by Janáček’s friends. Nevertheless, it was a gread success and the opera started its victorious course through international opera houses.

The dramatic story Janáček chose for his opera is underlined by his profound understanding of the human condition, the conflicts and moulding by the environment and society on a 19th century village. The deep lyrism of Jenůfa contrasts with the harsh Kostelnička, who - afraid of public condemnation - murders Jenůfa’s illegitimate baby. Janáček’s score captures all aspects of the drama and the deep emotions of the people who after cruel trials find a new meaning of life.

Helena Kaupová has been a soloist of the National Theatre Opera since 1992. She also performs abroad (Edinburgh festival in 1993 as Šárka in Janáček’s opera of the same name, and inToronto, Vancouver, Santiago de Chile). Her concert appearances include venues in Austria, Italy, Spain, Belgium.

Soprano Eva Urbanová ranks among the most prominent Czech singers. Apart from opera and concert performances in Europe, she has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Washington, Canada, Hong Kong, etc. She excels as Kostelnička in Janáček’s opera Jenůfa, as Milada in Smetana’s opera Dalibor, as Libuše by Smetana, as well as in Verdi, Wagner, Ponchielli (Gioconda), Dvořák (Stabat Mater) among others.