Gabriela Beňačková

Gabriela Beňačková (also Gabriela Beňačková-Čápová. Born March 25, 1947) is a Slovak soprano.

She specializes in the music of her compatriots, particularly Eugen Suchoň, as well as Czech composers, notably Bedřich Smetana and Leoš Janáček. She is considered to be one of the greatest 'Jenufa's' in Janáček's opera of the same name. Her Carnegie Hall performance (and subsequent Metropolitan Opera run with Leonie Rysanek) is considered to be legendary.

In 1981 Czech television starred Mrs Benackova in a definitive version of Prodana Nevesta (The Bartered Bride), which has since become a popular DVD recording available in an all-regions format(2006). That recording teamed her with the heroic tenor (fellow Slovak) Peter Dvorsky, and with bass Richard Novak and other popular singers. She completed her farewell recital tour in 2008.

She has made a number of recordings, and has appeared in several filmed operas on DVD, as well as the feature film The Divine Emma, where she supplied the singing voice of the famous Czech soprano Emmy Destinn. Her voice can also be heard in the movie Driving Miss Daisy singing title role "Rusalka" by Dvorak.

She has appeared as Fidelio/Leonore in the Royal Opera House production of Fidelio (1991).

She has made a beautiful recording in the title role Rusalka by Dvorak. The conductor was Vaclav Neumann.

Recordings

• Leoš Janáček: Jenůfa Gabriela Beňačková with Naděžda Kniplová, Vilém Přibyl, Vladimír Krejčík, Janáček Theatre in Brno opera and chorus conducted by František Jílek (1977–1978) Supraphon CD SU 3869-2.
• Smetana - The Bartered Bride Gabriela Beňačková with Peter Dvorský, Richard Novák, Miroslav Kopp, Marie Veselá, Czech Philharmonic conducted by Zdeněk Košler, Supraphon DVD

References

• IMDB page, accessed 21 January 2010
• Review of The Bartered Bride recording, accessed 21 January 2010
• Review of Beethoven Symphony No. 9 concert recording, accessed 21 January 2010
• Review of Rusalka recording, accessed 21 January 2010