Auditions for The Bartered Bride 2026
Bristol Opera is looking for solo singers for its production of The Bartered Bride by Smetana, provisionally at Redland Hall, Redmaids’ High School in the week ending 18th April 2026.
This is a fully staged production in costume and will be accompanied by a reduced professional orchestra.
Roles
Mařenka Soprano
A girl, who is to be married.
Jeník Tenor
In love with Mařenka.
Kecal Bass
The marriage broker.
Vašek Tenor
To be married to Mařenka by arrangement.
Ludmila Soprano/Mezzo-soprano
Krušina Baritone
Mařenka’s impoverished parents. They appear together, in Acts I and III.
Háta Mezzo-soprano
Mícha Bass
Vašek’s wealthy parents. They appear together, in Act III.
Esmeralda Soprano
Ringmaster Tenor/High voice
Indian Bass/Baritone/Medium voice
Circus characters, appearing at the beginning of Act III. For Ringmaster and Indian we will consider both operatic and non-operatic voices and performance styles.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin in October 2025, with chorus rehearsals held on Thursday evenings. Soloists’ rehearsals will take place on Sunday afternoons by default. From January 2026, soloists will need to be able to attend some Thursday evening rehearsals as well, increasingly as we approach the performance period.
Depending on overall availabilities, we may be able to vary the rehearsal scheduling but when you apply, we ask that you note any N/As for the period 2nd November – 9th April, for the following slots:
- Sundays 2 – 6pm
- Thursdays 6 – 7.30pm
- Thursdays 7.30 – 9.30pm
We will not need as many soloists’ rehearsals as this implies, but we’d prefer to make an early start and be able to adapt to known absences. We will build a rehearsal schedule accordingly.
You will need to be available for all the final rehearsals, including Sitzprobe, Technical and Dress rehearsals, and the performances, provisionally as follows:
- Sunday 12th April, morning/early afternoon – Sitzprobe
- Monday 13th April, afternoon/evening – Technical rehearsal
- Tuesday 14th April, evening – Dress rehearsal
- Wednesday 15th April – Dress rehearsal or performance TBC
- Thursday 16th April – Performance
- Friday 17th April – Performance
- Saturday 18th April – Performance
Auditions
Auditions will be held in Bristol on:
- Thursday 17th July 2025, evening, and
- Sunday 27th July 2025, afternoon
Audition venue TBC. Details of the audition pieces are posted here:
Applications
Details of the application process are posted here: