The Norwegian Opera is set to present “The Cunning Little Vixen,” a work that is rarely performed by a major company. This season the company will showcase a cast of rising stars including Victoria Randem.

Randem is part of the Young Artist Program at Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, and has performed with the Bayerische Staatsoper, Glyndebourne festival, Semper Oper Dresden, Volksoper Wien, Tiroler Festspiele, and Oslo Opera House. In anticipation of her performances of Janáček’s work, OperaWire spoke to Randem.

OperaWire: What is it like to perform this fable and play a Vixen? What are the physical challenges?

Victoria Randem: It has been and continues to be one of the best experiences I’ve had on stage. As a Vixen, you can move, jump, run, and react in an animalistic and dance-like way that has been freeing for me. As a former dancer and lover of all things movement, it really makes a huge difference in the singing as well. My cardio has to be in top shape as Stefan Herheim’s staging does not allow for any “parking and barking”—which I love!

OW: Janáček’s score is so full of colors. What are your favorite moments of this work and the role?

VR: It certainly is a beautiful and dense score, thoroughly composed by Janáček. Each character has their own motifs, and you are instantly drawn into the magic of the forest. The music of the humans in the story is filled with more complex harmonies, really emphasizing the many difficulties of being a human being. For me, in many ways, being an animal is more of a blessing. In the music, it’s certainly written that way. The Vixen’s music paints a picture of an adventurous animal on a journey to experience life. She grows up and finds love. All of this is portrayed in a tonal yet interesting way—through fun rhythms and not always obvious intervals.

One of my favorite moments is when the Vixen gets into the chicken house. Imagine what mischievous activities take place there, and the music tells this story perfectly.

OW: What is it like to perform with the Oslo Opera?

VR: The Oslo Opera is a gorgeous place, and the work environment is great. The acoustics in the hall are some of the best I’ve experienced!

This production has such high-level singers and a creative team. Working with conductor and GMD Ed Gardner is a fantastic collaboration. He is a fantastic musician and truly a “singer’s conductor.” We discover the piece together and continue to explore and find new, interesting colors. Tomorrow we will meet the orchestra! I am very excited to hear them play.

Also, working with Stefan Herheim for the first time has been and continues to be such a great blessing. He is a very special person whom I respect greatly.

OW: Is this your first Janáček role?

VR: This is my first title role by Janáček. I did sing “Jano” in Jenůfa at Staatsoper Berlin as a Young Artist. My heroine and idol, Asmik Grigorian, sang the title role. She told me that one day I’ll sing Jenůfa and she will do Kostelnička! I pray that will happen! That would be awesome. I would love to sing all of Janáček’s leading ladies.

But for now, Vixen is my role, and I’m blessed to play her for the first time in my home city, Oslo, with the company where I started my career as Barbarina in “Le nozze” in 2019, before moving to Berlin. I was part of the Children’s Chorus at the Oslo Opera from 5 years old until about 17 years old. Coming back in the title role is really a full-circle moment.