Szymon Mechliński shines as the charismatic King Roger in Szymanowski’s masterpiece
The Grand Theatre in Poznań invites audiences to the grand finale of the third edition of the Moniuszko Festival, presenting a concert performance of “King Roger” by Karol Szymanowski. The opera is considered one of the most important works of the 20th century, both for its exceptional musical qualities and for its wealth of interpretative possibilities that continue to inspire directors around the world. The plot follows a world’s gradual disintegration under the sway of a mysterious newcomer – a seemingly benign Shepherd who wins over the people with his charm. His spell reaches Roxana, King Roger’s wife. Each of the opera’s three acts mirrors the same structure: waiting, arrival and departure.
Since its world premiere in Warsaw in 1926, Szymanowski’s score has become the most frequently staged Polish opera on the international scene. It has been presented at the Bregenz Festival (directed by David Pountney), Royal Opera House Covent Garden (directed by Kasper Holten), the Bern Opera in Switzerland (directed by Ludger Engels), Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires (directed by Michał Znaniecki) and English National Opera (directed by Anthony Besch), as well as at major opera houses across Europe (Palermo, Stuttgart, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Paris, Nuremberg, Prague, Bremen) and the Americas (New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Buffalo). “King Roger” is like an exquisite perfume,” said Sir Simon Rattle, one of the most renowned conductors of our time, who led the work at the Salzburg Festival in 1998.
During the performance on November 8 at the Grand Theatre in Poznań, the title role will be performed by Szymon Mechliński, who also serves as the artistic director of the Moniuszko Festival.
The themes of identity and sexuality are clearly present in Szymanowski’s opera. I believe they represent his very deep and profoundly personal reflection on homosexuality. Iwaszkiewicz’s libretto also deserves recognition – a text of great complexity and mysticism, distinguished by its exceptional literary artistry – says Mechliński. The title part is brilliantly written, with an exceptional understanding of the baritone voice. The music is demanding, yet vocally very comfortable. This is a truly unique work – one that everyone should experience live at least once in their lifetime – he adds.
Ruslana Koval will appear as Roxana, and Andrzej Lampert will sing the Shepherd. The soloists, chorus, and orchestra of the Grand Theatre in Poznań will be conducted by Jacek Kaspszyk. The concert will also be shown on November 12 at the Berlin Philharmonie.
Who? What? Where? When?
“King Roger” by Karol Szymanowski
Concert performance: November 8
Venue: Grand Theatre in Poznań
Concert performance: November 12
Venue: Philharmonie Berlin