RUSALKA

Opera Orlando’s All for Art season goes On the Town in 2023-24 with Dvorák’s Rusalka on the grounds of the Art and History Museums of Maitland. This tragic fairy tale based on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid gets a new English translation in this site specific production at one of Central Florida’s premier cultural destinations and community gathering places. Audiences will experience Dvorák’s stunningly romantic score like never before as the action unfolds throughout the Mayan-inspired property with appetizers, wine, and desserts served along the way. At the edge of a Florida everglade, the swamp nymph Rusalka falls in love with a human. With the help of a witch, she defies her father—giving up her home, family, and voice to follow her heart on dry land. However, she quickly learns that ultimately she must sacrifice everything, as true love comes at a terrible price. The stellar soprano Shannon Jennings makes her Opera Orlando debut as the beautifully tragic Rusalka, with soprano Emily Pulley returning to Orlando to sing the role of the wise witch Ježibaba. This re-imagined version of Rusalka will be directed by Company artistic director Grant Preisser, who will also be providing the site specific translation. He will be joined by international music director and pianist Bernard McDonald, making his Opera Orlando debut and together they will spin this sad tale of love, sacrifice, and rejection.