The Mayflower Southampton

Welsh National Opera
The Cunning Little Vixen
Leoš Janacek

Thu 21 March 2013

Thu 7.15pm

A truly uplifting experience, a wonderous hymn.

One afternoon in the depths of the forest the Forester, not entirely sober, lies down to take a nap. He is abruptly woken up by the playful frolics of a little vixen cub. He takes her home as a pet for his children. But this little vixen has a mind of her own, and sets out on the adventure of her life, doing things her way. She comes to a tragic end, but the day after she has been shot and her adventure has come to an end, the Forester sees another cub looking very much like her mother, playing happily. Life goes on.

Janacek's wondrous hymn to the cycle of life and nature’s renewal is a truly uplifting experience. His music evokes the vibrancy of the natural world and creates an irresistibly charming atmosphere. David Pountney’s magical, classic production receives its first performances by Welsh National Opera for over a decade. This is an evening for anyone who has stepped out of the house on a spring morning and been overcome by the majesty of nature.

"The Cunning Little Vixen is Janáček's joyous cartoon comedy which, at the same time, celebrates the natural cycle of life and death in a blaze of triumphant optimism"

David Pountney

Conductor - Simon Philippo
Director - David Pountney

Cast includes

Vixen - Sophie Bevan
Fox - Sarah Castle
Schoolmaster - Alan Oke
Poacher - David Stout
Parson - Richard Angas

Sung in English with surtitles in English.