Estonian National Opera: The Cunning Little Vixen
Tallinn, Estonian National Opera — Theatre Hall
About the Event
Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture of Tallinn's breathtaking Estonian National Opera for a concert experience that will truly awaken your understanding of opera. Janáček discovered the original inspiration for his piece in Rudolf Těsnohlídek’s newspaper story, which drew on Stanislav Lolek’s cartoon strip of over 200 images. The composer chronicles the adventures of a clever fox cub captured by a local Forester, who grows up on his farm and eventually escapes to the woods to start her own family.
Humans, much like vixens, are born, mature, marry, and pass away. Janáček illuminates the cycles of life and nature, while also showcasing the moral archetypes of humans who resist these natural cycles – and the journey of one person who finally embraces them. It stands as his sunniest stage work, with its clever anthropomorphic humor offering moments of pure comedy.
The experimental dramatic modes used by the composer—a distinctive fusion of dance and song, the intriguing mix of animal and human worlds, and the cinematic flow of short scenes—were ahead of his time, leaving the opera waiting many years for widespread acclaim. The opera bursts with playfulness, humor, wildness, love, sorrow, and wisdom—essentially, it embodies full‐blooded life.
Program
- Leos Janacek – The Cunning Little Vixen
Cast / Production
Music Director: Arvo Volmer
Conductor: Kaspar Mänd
Stage Director: Priit Võigemast
Designer: Rosita Raud (Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences)
Address
Estonian National Opera, Estonian Avenue 4, Tallinn, Estonia — Google Maps
