Eugene Onegin
lyric opera in three acts
music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
performed in Russian
Cast
Tatiana — Tatiana Ryaguzova
Lensky — Dmitry Karpov
Olga — Sofia Fainberg
Gremin — Yury Monchak
Conductor — Valentin Bogdanov
Revival of the production: April 14, 2009
In May 1877, singer Elizaveta Lavrovskaya gave Pyotr Tchaikovsky an idea to compose an opera based on Pushkin’s novel Eugene Onegin . First the composer declined the idea as “the mad one” but soon he got interested and absolutely absorbed with it. From the Pushkin’s novel — “the encyclopedia of Russian life” — he chose the scenes that involved the emotional world and fortunes of his heroes, calling the opera “lyrical scenes.”
In January 1881, the first professional performance took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The première in St Petersburg was another great success. By early 20th century there was no big opera house in Russia that lacked Eugene Onegin in its repertory.
The classical production of the opera at the Mikhailovsky Theatre is a real treat both for the connoisseurs and amateurs.
ACT I
Scene 1
The Larin family estate.
Suddenly guests arrive: poet Vladimir Lensky, Olga’s fiancé, and Eugene Onegin, who has lately come from St Petersburg.
Onegin impresses Tatiana. She believes him to be her ideal.
Scene 2
Tatiana’s bedroom. At night. Tatiana, deeply in love, is writing a letter to Onegin.
Scene 3
In the Larins’ garden Tatiana is waiting for an answer to her own confession of love. Onegin appears. He can’t return the feeling and sermonizes on her behavior.
ACT II
Scene 4
On Tatiana’s name day, a ball is being held at the Larins’ house. Lensky brings Onegin, who pays court to Olga in order to annoy his friend. Insulted Lensky challenges Onegin to a duel.
Scene 5
Early morning on the place where the duel is to take place. Lensky and Zaretsky are waiting for Onegin. Onegin arrives. The friends could make peace... But no! The seconds hand the guns out. Onegin is the first to shoot. Lensky is killed.
ACT III
Scene 6
A ball in St Petersburg. Onegin, who has just returned from abroad, meets Princess Gremina. It’s Tatiana.
Stunned Onegin admits to himself: he’s in love.
Scene 7
At the Gremins’ place. Onegin is following Tatiana everywhere, despite the convenances, he appears in the house of Gremin. He confesses in love but Tatiana asks to leave her forever.
Production: Stanislav Gaudasinsky
Set designer: Semion Pastukh
Costume designer: Galina Solovyova
Director of the revival: Olga Kapanina
