Polish Opera returns to the stage with Halka

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By Agnieszka Kuchnia-Wołosiewicz

Stanisław Moniuszko’s ‘Halka’ is one of those operas from the mid-19th century. The composer, conductor and teacher, was born in Ubiel near Minsk on 5 May 1819 and died on 4 June 1872 in Warsaw.

The plot is about unhappy love triangle: Halka (innocent soprano) is loved by Jontek (good tenor), but she loves Janusz (bad baritone).  The girl is betrayed by her lover who  promised he will escape with her. That’s why she decides to die. And she commits suicide by jumping into the river

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Last weekend، the Polish opera electrify by dances and enchanting Slavic melodies. ‘Halka’ in POSK was an excellent and I was captivated from beginning to end.Judging by the interest of the audience who came to see the opera, it can be said that the music, direction and production were truly commendable and was a great music performance.

Director Stephen Ellery’s new production marks the London debuts of the Polish singers: Grzegorz Biernacki, Leopold Stawarz and the Polish-Greek soprano Karina Trapezanidou Skrzeszewska.

Dr. Marek Laskiewicz, the President of POSK, was present at the opera’s premiere.At the end of the opera I met Mariola Świetlicka, the star of the Retro Singers group. Her show will be held on 20 November 2022 at POSK.

Watching the Polish opera on a winter evening in London, the music and lyrics created a sensation in the audience. I have to say it was a perfect evening to evoke an emotions.