The Bartered Bride is not a favourite, however especially for Smetana's music I like it very much. This is a truly terrific production of it, with the blending of singing and dancing especially impressive. The costumes and sets are also really quite colourful and delightful, the story and characters sparkle and the score is beautifully performed and meticulously conducted. You couldn't have had a more perfect cast either. Teresa Stratas is at her peak here, and is just stunning as Marie. Nicolai Gedda is appropriately sly and eloquent, Jon Vickers gives a performance of great pathos and Martti Talvela is a towering not to mention amusing Kecal. All in all, terrific. 10/10 Bethany Cox