Prodaná nevěsta (The Bartered Bride)
In collaboration with The Opera West Society
Comic Opera in Three Acts
Sung in Czech with English Surtitles
Music by Bedřich Smetana
Libretto by Karel Sabina
Norbert Baxa Conductor
Anna Theodosakis Director
Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra
Prodaná nevěsta is a lively comic opera set in a Czech village, celebrating love, wit, and national spirit. The story centers on Mařenka and Jeník, two young lovers determined to marry despite the schemes of Mařenka’s ambitious parents. Believing Jeník to be poor, they agree to marry her to Vašek, the shy and awkward son of a wealthy landowner, arranged by the calculating marriage broker Kecal. Jeník appears to betray Mařenka by accepting payment to renounce his claim to her. However, he cleverly inserts a condition into the contract: Mařenka may marry only “the eldest son of Micha,” her intended father-in-law. Unknown to everyone, Jeník is Micha’s long-lost elder son from an earlier marriage, making him the true heir and the only man who fulfills the agreement. Kecal realizes too late that he has been outwitted. Meanwhile, Vašek who is briefly lured by the beautiful dancer, Esmeralda, into joining a travelling circus makes a last minute appearance as the Bear. His very brief career in the circus is abruptly ended by his mother, Hata. After much confusion, deceptions and misunderstandings this peculiar situation is resolved when Jeník reveals his identity, winning the respect of Mařenka’s parents. The lovers are united, Kecal’s plans collapse, and the village celebrates with music and dancing. Rich in memorable folk-inspired melodies, humour, and vibrant ensembles, Prodaná nevěsta remains Smetana’s best-loved opera and a cornerstone of the Czech operatic tradition.
Important Ticketing Information
Subscription renewals for past subscribers opens Tuesday, Aug 25 at 10am | Closes: 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Sep 8
Unclaimed seats will be released for sale after the closing date.
UBC Opera new subscriptions and single ticket sales opens Wednesday, Sep 9 at 10am
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.
Subscribers will receive first access to all UBC Opera events including those in collaboration with the Opera West Society.
Opera West Society is offering a 30% discount for their tickets to all subscribers to UBC Opera.
