Mirjam Mesak makes US debut in Dallas Opera title role

Estonian soprano Mirjam Mesak made her US debut on October 30 at the Dallas Opera, performing the title role in Leoš Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen,” ERR reports.

The production, directed by Barrie Kosky, is a collaboration between the Bavarian State Opera, Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Dallas Opera. Mesak previously performed in it at its 2022 premiere in Munich, singing the Innkeeper’s Wife and the Jay. In Dallas, she returned as the title character. Dallas Opera music director Emmanuel Villaume conducts the performances.

Mesak said she knew the production would be demanding, but praised the Dallas Opera for its warm welcome and well-organised work. She also thanked director Johannes Stepanek for trusting her as an actor and giving her the artistic freedom to explore the role at her own pace.

Madli-Liis Parts, Estonia’s cultural attaché in the United States, said the debut was significant for Mesak’s career and the international visibility of Estonian music. Mesak is also due to appear next summer at the Santa Fe Opera Festival, Parts said.

Mesak said her experience in the United States had been very positive, adding that she was moved by the openness of the people and audience, and by the warm reception she received as the company’s only non-American.

A key base for Mesak’s international career is the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, where she has been a member of the ensemble since 2020. She previously studied at the company’s opera studio from 2018 to 2020 and at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The Dallas Opera, a professional opera company founded in 1957, has a tradition of introducing international talent. Maria Callas performed at the start of its history, and Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballé and Plácido Domingo are among the artists who made their US debuts there. Mesak is scheduled to perform at the Winspear Opera House on November 4 and 7.