The Cunning Little Vixen

Opera by Leoš Janáček

Cast of February 15

AMSERV presents:

Opera by Leoš Janáček
Libreto by Leoš Janáček after Rudolf Těsnohlídek’s serialised novella “Adventures of Vixen Sharp-Ears”
World premiere on November 6, 1924 in National Theatre Brno
Premiere in the Estonian National Opera on January 30, 2026

Stage Director: Priit Võigemast
Music Director: Arvo Volmer
Conductor: Kaspar Mänd
Designer: Rosita Raud (Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences)
Choreographer: Ingmar Jõela
Video: Aljona Movko-Mägi
Light Design: Priidu Adlas (Estonian Drama Theatre)
Translation: Peeter Volkonski

Sung in Estonian with subtitles in Estonian and English.

The dramatic modes with which the composer experiments – the unique blend of dance and song, the strange mixing of animal and human worlds, the cinematic succession of tiny scenes – were advanced for their time and the opera had to wait many decades to win over audiences and critics. The opera teems with playfulness, humour, wildness, love, sorrow, wisdom – simply full-blooded life.

Recommended age 10+

Cast:
Sharp-Ears the Vixen: Kristel Pärtna, Elena Brazhnyk
Forester: Tamar Nugis, Rauno Elp
Harašta, poacher: Raiko Raalik, Priit Volmer
Schoolmaster / Mosquito: Rafael Dicenta, Mart Madiste 
Gold-Stripe the fox: Helen Lokuta, Karis Trass
Forester’s Wife: Kadri Raalik, Arete Kerge
Badger / Priest: Stanislav Sheljahhovski, Mart Laur 
Dog / Woodpecker: Janne Ševtšenko, Annabel Soode
Rooster / Jay: Kadri Nirgi, Katri Juss
The Innkeeper: Jakob Tomson, Rein Saar, Tiit Kaljund
Owl / Innkeeper’s Wife: Juuli Lill, Aule Urb
Chocholka, the hen: Maris Liloson, Danna Malõsko
The Little Sharp Ears: Greta Marie Niinepuu, Anette Kalda, Marharyta Brazhnyk 
Forester's kids: Liam Hussar, Joonas Mikk, Tobias Tark, Peeter Veltmann (Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir)
Frog, Cricket, Grasshopper: Kristofer Cross, Erik Kurahashi, Uku Sander Leisalu, Rannar Mälk, Hindrik Voltri, Bert Sebastian Maripuu (Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir)
Fox cubs: Estonian National Opera Boys’ Choir
Hens, creatures of the forest: Estonian National Opera Chorus – sopranos, altos
Dancers: Germo Toonikus, Sofia Kirs, Polina Albert, Arina Kotova, Allar Valge, Arina Šarapova, Mehis Saaber, Richard Beljohin