Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@uc_ccm concluded its 2023-24 MainStage opera series with a gorgeous new production of what is perhaps Leoš Janáček’s most lighthearted opera, The Cunning Little Vixen (Příhody lišky Bystroušky). Based on a novella by Rudolf Těsnohlídek first published as a newspaper comic strip in 1920, the opera tells of the antics and adventures of a quick-witted vixen fox after she escapes a forester who attempts to claim her as a pet.
While generally considered Janáček’s most lighthearted opera, in the production designed by Mark Halpin, it became an allegory of sorts focused on the themes of animal cruelty, misogyny and how we care for or otherwise destroy nature. As the opera went further along, its story became more tragic, with small amounts of wit thrown in for good measure.
Soprano Emma Marhefka in the title role of Vixen Sharp-Ears possessed an impassioned, alluring and charismatic sound as she demonstrated that any creature, whether animal or human, cannot be contained. Baritone Andrew Hallam as the Forester was wonderfully resonant, with a hearty timbre recalling figures such as Willard White and Simon Estes. Soprano Malone Blaich as the fox Gold-Stripe brought tender wisdom and full, ringing clarity to her sound. Wonderful contributions were also provided in smaller roles by singers including bass John Mbaru as the Parson, tenor Logan Wagner as the Schoolmaster, baritone Seoyong Lee as the poultry dealer Haraštra, mezzo sopranos Rachel Bell and Salleigh Harvey and soprano Maren Hrivnak.
The CCM Philharmonia, led by doctoral student conductor Stephen Fillaire was in spectacular form, with luminous, effervescent strings, sweet-voiced oboes and horns and a full-throated percussion section, perhaps on par with professional opera orchestras in Vienna, Paris or Prague.
Eagerly anticipating what is to come in the next year from the CCM Opera Series and hope this production inspires more of Janáček’s operas to be staged here in the future, as they are encountered all too rarely in the United States.