Talking Pictures

BBC Two Broadcasts New Animated Film of Janacek Opera

BBC Two broadcasts a magical new version of Janacek’s much loved opera, The Cunning Little Vixen over the Easter season. The film has been specially created for BBC Television and combines the talents of international conductor Kent Nagano and acclaimed animation designer and director, Geoff Dunbar. The visual style is derived from the drawings by Stanislav Lolek in the original 1920’s newspaper strip which inspired Janacek to write the opera. Spellbinding animation has been created by using hand drawn techniques, combined with computer generated imagery.

Kent Nagano and Christophe Durrant have created a new edition of the music, which is performed by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester. The international cast of young soloists, the stars of tomorrow, were selected by the European Opera Centre, following extensive auditions and they are joined by singers from the New London Children’s Choir and the BBC Singers. The title role of Vixen Sharp-Ears is sung by soprano Christine Buffle, baritone Grant Doyle is the Forester, Richard Coxon is the Vixen’s lover, Dashwood Fox and Keel Watson is the poacher while Blue Peter presenter, Matt Baker, sings the role of Lapáák the Dog.

Peter Maniura, Head of Classical Music Television says: “We are thrilled with this new special television version of Janacek’s much loved opera. The story of Vixen Sharpears is a dramatic tale guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Like all good fairy tales, there is a dark side to the narrative, redeemed by Janacek’s affirmation of humanity within the natural order and the cycle of life and death. We are also delighted to be joined by Opus Arte and The Los Angeles Opera in co-producing the film."

Geoff Dunbar has received international acclaim for his work, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Lautrec. He is particularly well-known for his collaborations with Sir Paul McCartney on film projects, such as the Bafta winning Rupert And The Frog Song and Daumier’s Law. Geoff was very involved with The Cunning Little Vixen project, visiting Janacek’s home in Huckvaldy, in the Czech Republic, where the action takes place and attending the vocal recordings to ensure the animation expressed the singing as vividly as possible.

The Cunning Little Vixen is a co-production between the BBC, Opus Arte and Los Angeles Opera.

Transmission date: Sunday April 20th, subject to change.