Resonance Works closes its fifth season with Dvořák’s Rusalka, a mythical masterpiece never before seen in Pittsburgh!  Drawing inspiration from Slavic mythology (with many similarities to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid), Rusalka is the story of a water nymph who sacrifices everything for the love of a human Prince.

Husband and wife duo Rachele Schmiege (Cinderella) and Stefan Barner star as Rusalka and the Prince in this new production directed by Andrew Nienaber (Elixir of Love). Bass-baritone Michael Scarcelle is the Vodník, Rusalka’s father; Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alum Laurel Semerdjian is the witch Ježibaba, and soprano Natalie Polito (Falstaff) is the Foreign Princess. Maria Sensi Sellner leads the Resonance Chamber Orchestra in Dvořák’s lush score, which includes the famous “Song to the Moon.”

​

With high stakes and visceral emotions, Rusalka is more than just a fairy tale: it is a multi-layered masterwork that asks what it means to be human, to love, and be loved in return.  Don’t miss these historic performances in the intimate Charity Randall Theatre.