On July 18, the Bayerische Staatsoper will open a new production of Fauré’s rarely performed work “Penelope.” Based on the famed Homer epic poem, The
“Odyssey,” the work, will receive a new production by Andrea Berth and will star the rising mezzo-soprano Victoria Karkacheva.

The Russian will not only make her role debut in the title role, but she will also bring the work to the Munich Opera house for the first time in the company’s history. Before the premiere fo the work, Kakacheva took to Instagram and said, “This role is very unusual, special and beautiful. This music is absolutely mesmerizing — it takes you somewhere far, like into a dream. Andrea Breth’s staging beautifully complements and deepens that atmosphere. Working with Andrea Breth was unusual and very interesting. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her. I’m especially happy to share the stage again with Susanna Mälkki, an incredible musician and a truly amazing woman. It’s an honor and a joy to work with you, thank you.”

Ever since winning at the Operalia competition, Karkacheva has performed at some of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, including Teatro alla Scala, Teatro Real de Madrid, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Teatro San Carlo, and Opera de Lyon. Her repertoire includes music by Massenet, Tchaikovsky, Bizet, and Bartok, among others.

For those not in Munich for the premiere, BR Klassik will broadcast the opera. Future seasons will see the mezzo debut at The Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, and Opéra national de Paris.

Recordings

For those interested in hearing more from Karkacheva, here she is at the Operalia Competition and in “The Queen of Spades.”