“Cavalleria rusticana” returns to the stage
On 9 April, the Mikhailovsky Theatre invites viewers to Pietro Mascagni’s opera “Cavalleria rusticana”. The cast of the performance is truly unique. Leading artists of the Mikhailovsky Theatre will be appearing: honoured artist of the Republic of Buryatia Mikhail Pirogov, star of the European opera stage Boris Pinkhasovich, as well as Victoria Voytenkova, Ekaterina Egorova, and Mariinsky Theatre soloist Irina Shishkova.
“Cavalleria rusticana” at the Mikhailovsky Theatre is staged by the cult Italian director Liliana Cavani. Director of the controversial film “The Night Porter” and a pupil of Luchino Visconti, Cavani is one of the key figures in European cinematography. It is not surprising that emphatic naturalism, striking depth and psychological authenticity — recognizable features of her work in film — are unmistakably present on the opera stage. The outwardly sparse but incredibly expressive production of “Cavalleria rusticana” is one of the director’s masterpieces. Don’t miss this legendary production featuring true headliners of the Russian opera scene.
Irina Shishkova, with her magical and richly colourful mezzo voice, is a familiar name to opera-goers: she has been working with the Mikhailovsky Theatre since 2014, where she has performed the roles of Lyubasha in “The Tsar’s Bride”, Olga in “Eugene Onegin”, Cherubino in "The Marriage of Figaro and the seductive gypsy Carmen in the production by Nacho Duarte. Her Santuzza will certainly melt Turridu’s icy heart.
Debuting in the role of Turridu is the tenor Mikhail Pirogov, a recent discovery for Peterburg audiences. Our new soloist made his dazzling debut in the role of Herman in “The Queen of Spades”, and in February he is preparing to perform the role of Radames in Verdi’s “Aida”. His rival, the deceived husband Alfio, whose frenzied revenge sets deadly passions in motion, will be played by Boris Pinkhasovich. A star of the Mikhailovsky Theatre one of the most sought-after baritones in European opera, Pinkhasovich will be performing this role for the first time in his career.
Don’t miss this all-star cast in one of the theatre’s most emotional and thrilling productions about love and jealousy. Tickets are on sale now.
