The Bartered Bride

This light-hearted opera is set in a Bohemian village in the 19th century. It tells the story of lovers Mařenka and Jeník, and how their true love prevails over the combined efforts of ambitious parents and a scheming marriage broker. Matters are complicated by the arrival of a travelling circus and a jilted lover dressed as a dancing bear! The lively music reflects Bohemian and Czech folk song and dance tunes.

Surrey Opera staged the opera in traditional style but in a modern English translation by Amanda Holden, with professional soloists, full chorus and orchestra.