Jenufa, still Janácek’s most successful and most often performed opera, is a musical study of the social milieu. Christof Loy moves the action of Janácek’s drama, revolving around the strict sacristan (the Kostelnicka) who drowns her stepdaughter Jenufa’s illegitimate child for fear of gossip and concern for her future, to a bare white room in which the passage of the seasons is only hinted. It is the sacristan’s stark prison cell – where he recounts past events and takes the spectator into the story seen in retrospective.

Michaela Kaune sings the title role of Jenufa with warm soprano, her despair at her situation palpable at every moment, culminating finally in the discovery of her dead son. Jenufa’s stepmother is sung by American mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore, who delights with her great vocal expressivity and beauty. Musical Director Donald Runnicles conducts the Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, which perfectly balances the churning intensity and textural refinement.

Michaela Kaune (Jenufa), Jennifer Larmore (Kostelnicka Buryjovka), Will Hartmann (Laca Klemen), Ladislav Elgr (Števa Buryja) & Hanna Schwarz (Grandmother Buryjovka)

Orchestra and Chorus of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Donald Runnicles (conductor) & Christof Loy (stage director)