Hertog Blauwbaards fortress - Katrien Baerts, soprano, Thomas Bauer, baritone & Oxalys conducted by

Sprookjes van Charles Perrault form the subject for an opera experience twice in the autumn of 2026 in the programming of CCHA (see also Rossini: La Cenerentola on Dec 20, 26). A first time with arguably the first 'gothic' opera of the 20th century based on a story that has made many a listener shudder since the Middle Ages. For this new production of Béla Bartók's one-act opera, chamber music ensemble Oxalys commissioned Siebe Thijs for a chamber music transcription. Expressionist orchestral colors, rooted in Hungarian folk music, contrast with vocal lines that remind one of Debussy. On top of the musical explosion, Lise Bruyneel, award-winning videographer, brings a live film adaptation of this hallucinatory descent into the human psyche. The role of Judith is sung by Katrien Baerts, the internationally acclaimed soprano from Hasselt. She has been heard on leading stages such as the Salzburger Festspiele, De Nationale Opera, and the Concertgebouw and is known for her penetrating interpretations of complex female roles. De Volkskrant wrote in 2021: “As a true vocal artist, she sings, spits, and caresses the witty verses.” Her opponent Thomas Bauer is known for his many collaborations with Jos Van Immerseel and Anima Eterna. program Siebe Thijs Sighs, breaths, whispers, moans Béla Bartók (arr. Siebe Thijs) Hertog Blauwbaards castle conductor Johannes Witt / soprano Katrien Baerts / baritone Thomas Bauer / composer-arranger Siebe Thijs / live video Lise Bruyneel / introduction Oxalys / © Claudia Hansen & Sarah Wijzenbee katrienbaerts.com, johanneswitt.de & oxalys.be