This week the Opera du Rhin will open its 2020-21 season with a new production of Saint-Saens’ “Samson et Dalila.” The work contains some of the most famous pieces from the French repertoire and is also known for its challenging leading roles. The Opera du Rhin has lined up a solid cast including Serbian mezzo-soprano Katarina Bradić, who makes her long-anticipated role debut as Dalila.

Over the years Bradić has garnered attention for her theatrical prowess and versatility. She has garnered huge acclaim in the works of Handel, Berlioz, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and Cavalli, among other composers. Additionally, she has conquered some of the most demanding mezzo roles in the repertoire particularly in the Baroque repertoire where she has performed in Handel’s “Semele,” “Alcina,” “Rodelinda,” and “Xerxes.”

She has also had the chance to perform the iconic Carmen, which has become one of her calling cards and critics have noted, “Katarina Bradić delivered the evening’s strongest performance as Carmen, both dramatically and vocally. Her Carmen was almost girlish at times, and there was a knowing innocence to her arias, going less for the all-out sexual predator that Carmen often can be. Her phrases were surprisingly long, and she sang very properly.”

With Dalila, the Serbian mezzo takes on yet another iconic role and continues her journey in exploring the French repertoire. Bradić’s role debut is equally exciting as she will be making her house debut in Rhin on opening night and add yet another important French theater to her notable resume.

For those not in France, Bradić will bring her Carmen to the Staatstheater Kassel in “La Tragédie de Carmen.” She is also slated to perform the role of Penelope in
Monteverdi’s “Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria” at the Theater Basel, and the role of La Sphinge in Enescu’s opera “Œdipe” at the Komische Oper Berlin. She also returns to the Bayerische Staatsoper for a production of “Otello.”

Further Readings 

Don’t miss our interview with Katarina Bradić & Nenad Jović.

Recordings 

For those not familiar with the mezzo’s work, Bradić has a number of recordings available including “Alcina” from the Festival Aix en Provence, “Beatrice et Benedict” from Glyndebourne, and “Der Liebe der Danae” from the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Here she is as Carmen.

And here she is in “Semele.”