Halka
The Opera West Society, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland and UBC Opera, present a concert staging of Halka
Opera in Four Acts
Sung in Polish with English Surtitles
Music by Stanisław Moniuszko
Libretto by Włodzimierz Wolski
David Agler Conductor
Rafał Bartmiński Tenor
Nancy Hermiston Director
Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra
Halka is an opera by Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko to a libretto written by Włodzimierz Wolski. It is part of the canon of Polish national operas. It has been performed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Turkey, Russia and Cuba. It is known as the National Opera of Poland. Opera West, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Vancouver and UBC Opera produce this opera to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate in Vancouver. The opera tells the story of a young highlander peasant girl, Halka, and her love for the wealthy estate owner Janusz. Janusz is about to be engaged to Zofia, the daughter of an Esquire. Halka is drawn helplessly to the celebration of their engagement. She weeps loudly and openly. Janusz sees her and goes out to calm her, arranging to meet her in the evening. Halka goes to the river to meet Janusz believing his feelings for her are real. Jontek, a young man from her village who loves her dearly meets her instead and warns her of Janusz’s betrayal. He takes her to the engagement celebrations. She witnesses the betrayal of her beloved and proclaims that she is like a dove torn apart by a falcon. Jontek takes the poor young girl back to the village where the people hear of the betrayal and learn that she is carrying Janusz’s child. When Janusz and Zofia come to the village church to marry, Halka, in her famous aria goes through a gamut of emotion; at first wanting to burn down the church and destroy Janusz and his bride. However, her love for him is too deep and instead, she runs to the river and sacrifices herself.
Important Ticketing Information
Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.ubc.ca or by phone at 604-822-2697 (Chan Centre Ticket Office). Ticket office hours vary, please call the Chan Centre Ticket Office to hear their most up-to-date hours.
Opera West Society is offering a 30% discount for their tickets to all subscribers to UBC Opera.
