Giuseppe Verdi’s grand “Aida” on a small stage. Silesian Opera in Bytom opens its 81st artistic season
The Silesian Opera in Bytom inaugurates its 81st artistic season with Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” in a classic staging, whose premiere took place 22 years ago. Even after more than twenty years, Laco Adamik’s direction and Barbara Kędzierska’s set design continue to impress. Audiences who favor traditional stagings over modern reinterpretations greatly appreciated this production, carefully crafted both musically and vocally.
Staging a demanding grand opéra such as “Aida” on Bytom’s small stage is an achievement in itself. The auditorium was filled beyond capacity, with familiar faces from Silesia’s cultural and political circles in attendance, including former musicians, choristers, dancers, singers, and staff members. It is a beautiful tradition, cultivated for years, to invite retired artists to the most important events. For me, every visit to this house is special. This is where I took my first professional steps and worked for five years. I remember that time as the most beautiful period of my life, and the friendships forged during that time still endure.
The building of the Silesian Opera has a fascinating history. It was built between 1898 and 1901 as the Municipal Theatre (Stadttheater Beuthen) according to a design by German architect Alexander Böhm. Initially, as a drama theatre, it could accommodate up to 800 spectators. In 1945, the distinguished bass Adam Didur inaugurated the Silesian Opera there. In the following decades, with successive renovations and the need to adapt the building to more stringent regulations, the number of seats gradually decreased: first to 600, then to 530, and today the auditorium holds just over 300 seats.
In 2000, during the renovation of the second part of the opera complex, a fire broke out, destroying, among other spaces, the ballet hall and rehearsal room. However, five years later the rebuilt section was reopened. The former concert hall was restored, and above it rose an impressive, large ballet hall, crowned with a distinctive dome of glass and steel. It is one of the most beautiful ballet halls I have ever seen.
Back to the season’s opening: the opera’s management brought together an impressive roster of soloists. In the title role appeared the Korean soprano Lilla Lee, while Amneris was brilliantly portrayed by Małgorzata Walewska, who chose Bytom as the place to bid farewell to this role, performing in the two opening shows (more details here). Arnold Rutkowski debuted as Radamès, Andrzej Dobber appeared as Amonasro, and Grzegorz Szostak as Ramfis. Walewska enchanted with the velvety beauty of her voice. Her Amneris was an uncompromising, strong-willed princess, determined to fight for love at any cost – from dramatic duets with Aida and Radamès to the moving prayer scene at Radamès’s tomb. It was a portrayal full of dramatic tension and emotional depth. A superb role and an excellent interpretation. I hope the artist has not yet delivered her final performance in this role, and that her announced farewell proves to be nothing more than playful teasing. It would be a great loss to be deprived of such an outstanding interpreter of this part.
I was also particularly struck by Rusłana Koval’s elegant and poised portrayal of the Priestess, who combines a beautiful voice with remarkable stage presence. Tomasz Theil’s portrayal of the Pharaoh was highly promising, with a deep, resonant bass that marks him as an artist of significant potential. The soloists were supported by the Silesian Opera Chorus, which, in comparison to the 2003 premiere, sounded somewhat more restrained (possibly because a second chorus had been included at that time). The ballet company, however, excelled – particularly in the triumphal march, which won the audience’s hearts and was rewarded with thunderous applause. Outstanding solo performances were given by Douglas de Oliveira Ferreira, Mitsuki Noda, and Alberto Pecetto. Piotr Mazurek’s orchestra completed the performance with remarkable cohesion, energy, and dramatic sensitivity. If the quality of productions remains this strong throughout the season, the Silesian Opera has a remarkable year in store.
Practical information when planning a visit to the Silesian Opera in Bytom:
- Because of the small auditorium, tickets sell out very quickly – it is worth booking well in advance.
- For young music lovers up to the age of 30, the opera offers a pool of tickets at the promotional price of 30 PLN.
- Polish-language surtitles are displayed above the stage.
- A buffet operates on the first floor (coffee – 14 PLN, a glass of wine – 22 PLN).
- Program booklets cost 15 PLN.
- Performances start earlier than in most opera houses in Poland – at 6:00 p.m.