The Bartered Bride

Unlike any previous version, this Czech operatic gem is staged interactively with spoken-word dialogue and accompaniment by a piano and two clarinets. Boasting leading vocalists from Czechia and Slovakia, Smetana’s famous comic opera has been sensitively edited and abridged. The nation’s temper, wit and penchant for exaggeration are emphasised and augmented by musical poetry. Audience members will find themselves well and truly at the centre of things. Starring: Tereza Mátlová, Peter Berger, Daniel Hůlka, Vladimír Chmelo, Peter Malý, Bronislava Smržová, Dana Šťastná and others.

About the company

Opera for Everyone is an independent project set up in 2022 by Vladimír Chmelo’s Czech Vocal Institute. Its primary aim is to make Czech operatic works accessible to the general public and increase their popularity through high-quality productions easily understood by modern audiences. The plots remain intact, along with the conventions observed by the original composers and their intentions. Bel canto (beautiful song) is central to the performances and the libretto is lent great clarity by the delicacy of the chamber ensemble accompaniment, as opposed to a full orchestra. The performances are sensitively abridged, resulting in shorter durations, and the staging is minimalist. Opera for Everyone sets out to attract a wide audience – from parents and children to true enthusiasts. In the two years since its conception, Rusalka and The Bartered Bride have been staged in this way, as well as concerts at venues throughout the country. Plans for 2025 include a version of The Cunning Little Vixen by Leoš Janáček.

The cast includes soloists at the National Theatre in Prague: Peter Berger, Tereza Mátlová, Peter Malý, Daniel Hůlka, Vladimír Chmelo and Kateřina Jalovcová.

Vladimír Chmelo is a recipient of the Thalia Award.

Tereza Mátlová, Daniel Hůlka and Peter Berger have been nominated for the Thalia Award. 

Collaborating artists have made guest appearances on international stages: Vladimír Chmelo – The Metropolitan Opera in NYC, Peter Berger – The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, etc.