London Symphony Orchestra Presents Janáček's 'The Makropoulos Affair' in Concert Staging

The London Symphony Orchestra, under Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle, performed a concert version of Leoš Janáček's opera 'The Makropoulos Affair' at Barbican Hall on January 13 and 15, 2026. This lesser-known work, based on a play by Karel Čapek, tells the story of Emilia Marty, an opera singer who has lived for centuries after discovering eternal life. The performance featured German soprano Marlis Petersen in the lead role, supported by a cast including soprano Doubravka Novotná as Krista and singers like Peter Hoare and Alan Oke. Sung in Czech with English surtitles, the production emphasized Janáček's use of Czech folk idioms, with the orchestra delivering a vibrant account without traditional sets or costumes. Rattle's direction highlighted the score's complexity, from a bold prelude to dramatic climaxes across three acts set in a legal office, an empty theater, and a hotel room. The opera explores themes of life, death, and loneliness, with Petersen's emotional performance standing out. This event is part of Rattle's ongoing engagement with Czech repertoire, showcasing Janáček's late-period work, which premiered shortly before the composer's death.