What would you sacrifice for love?

Water-nymph Rusalka is in love with a handsome Prince who comes each day to bathe in her forest pool. But if she wants to win him she must risk everything, giving up not only her immortality but also her voice.

Inspired by The Little Mermaid, Rusalka offers a poignant reimagining of the classic fairy tale. Rippled with silvery, watery beauty, Dvořák’s sublime score conjures a dappled world of shadowy half-light, of things unspoken and unseen. Rustic folk melodies meet courtly dances and magical love-music in this late Romantic masterpiece – an operatic fantasy that looks beyond the storybook world of happily ever-after to find truths that are powerfully and painfully human.

Sally Matthews takes the title role in this revival of Melly Still’s much-loved production, conducted by Robin Ticciati.

Recorded live at Glyndebourne Opera House, Festival 2019.