Joana Mallwitz's musical direction is the highlight in Dvořák's new production, premiered at the Dutch National Opera, with a good cast led by Johanni van Oostrum. The composer of the New World Symphony achieved in this 1900 opera a perfect symbiosis between the Wagnerian influence and the indigenous Czech elements.

The South African soprano embodied the unfortunate water nymph with a clear and firm voice. The other winner of the night was the African-American mezzo-soprano Bryce-Davis who gave a powerful, intense personality to the sorceress.