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An unpredictable show that makes us experience the urgency of reflecting on how humanity relates to the planet.
"The Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds, and brought them to the man to see what he would name them."
Genesi 2:19
A mature opera by Czech composer Leoš Janáček, The Cunning Little Vixen is based on a libretto written by Janáček himself, inspired by popular comic strips published in the local newspaper Lidové noviny in Brno, where the score premiered in 1924. This three-act work vividly portrays the life of the forest, the vital instincts of animals, and humanity’s relationship with nature, with dazzling tonal fantasy and stunning vocal treatment.
The great Swedish baritone, Peter Mattei, will deliver a deeply moving and insightful performance as the Forester, a protagonist in many ways and a melancholic figure who ultimately finds resigned contentment in accepting nature’s eternal renewal. Elena Tsallagova, as the mischievous and naïve young Vixen, and Paula Murrihy, as the charismatic, impulsive, and tender Fox, will blend their marvelous voices in this romantic and detailed tableau, with a tragic and thought-provoking ending.
This clever production by the ever-brilliant stage director Barrie Kosky begins with the imagery of a funeral: dark landscapes, shadowy silhouettes, heavy movements. Gradually, the characters withdraw one by one behind the silver curtain representing the forest stage. The animals emerge from the grave where the soil was just laid. Without a pantheistic approach, Kosky avoids nature’s green hues and fake trees, with the singers portraying the animals simply dressed in colors, not in animal costumes, contrasting with the black clothing of their human counterparts.
Josep Pons, a profound expert on the composer and his prodigious orchestral writing, will deliver a masterful reading with the authority of quality honed through experience and dedication.
An unpredictable show that makes us feel the urgency of reflecting on how humanity relates to the planet, without concealing any of the unsettling moments of the score while highlighting its climaxes of great tenderness, sensuality, and beauty. Janáček demonstrated a profound understanding of life, championing a return to simplicity. He loved this work so much that he left a special request: that the final scene be performed at his funeral, which took place in 1928.
A well-rounded production that makes us laugh, cry, and learn something along the way. What more could we ask of an opera?
Opera in three acts.
Libretto by Leoš Janáček based on the story Liska Bystrouska by Rudolf Tesnohlídek.
- World premiere: 06/11/1924 at the National Theatre in Brno.
- Barcelona premiere: 15/11/2001 at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
- Last performance at the Liceu: 23/11/2001.
- Total performances at the Liceu: 5.
With the support of:
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With the collaboration of:
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Dates and tickets
| Òpera entre generacions | |||||
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| Subscription C | |||||
| Subscription T | |||||
| Subscription A | |||||
| Subscription D |
Special sessions
September 20: Opera between generations
September 28: Live audio description service
September 30: Live broadcast via the Liceu OPERA+ platform
- Part I 29 min
- Part II 39 min
- Part III 32 min
Artistic profile
- Stage direction
- Barrie Kosky
- Set design
- Michael Levine
- Assistant to the musical direction
- Josep Planells
- Musical assistant coaches
- Véronique Werklé, Rodrigo de Vera, Jozef Katrák, David-Huy Nguyen-Phong and Jaume Tribó
- Costume design
- Victoria Behr
- Lighting
- Franck Evin
- Co-production
- Gran Teatre del Liceu and Bayerische Staatsoper
- Children’s Choir of the Orfeó Català
- Glòria Coma, director
- Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
- Conductor Pablo Assante
- Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
- Conductor Josep Pons
Cast
Cast change
- Tenor José Manuel Montero takes on the role of Pásek in place of Caspar Singh, who is on paternity leave.
Programa de mà
Get ready for 'The Cunning Little Vixen'
Special sessions
Opera Across Generations
The Gran Teatre del Liceu strengthens its initiative to promote an opera performance designed to be enjoyed across generations. Grandparents can bring their grandchildren to the Liceu—or the other way around. Uncles, aunts, godparents, nephews, nieces, and godchildren are also welcome to attend this special performance of The Cunning Little Vixen, which aims to foster emotional and educational bonds between people of different generations through opera.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
6:00 pm
Audiodescription
Live audio description service during one performance of each staged opera, providing narration about key visual elements to benefit blind and visually impaired audience members. The service consists of two parts: an audio introduction fifteen minutes before the performance begins, and simultaneous audio description during the show.
LiveVoice App
To access the audio description, simply click on Audiodescription at the Liceu, or open the LiveVoice app and enter the code: 075177.
Sunday, September 28
5:00 pm
Liceu OPERA+
Liceu OPERA+ subscribers will be able to enjoy the live broadcast of The Cunning Little Vixen by Leoš Janáček from the Liceu, staged by Barrie Kosky and conducted by maestro Josep Pons.
Once edited, it will be available on-demand for subscribers.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
7:30 pm