September 2019
by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
September 28th, 2019 @ 7:30pm
September 29th, 2019 @ 2:00pm
October 5th, 2019 @ 7:30pm
October 6th, 2019 @ 2:00pm
This crown jewel of the Russian operatic repertoire is a passionate drama filled with sweepingly beautiful and unabashedly romantic music. Tchaikovsky’s best-loved opera is based on Alexander Pushkin’s profoundly human verse drama. Packed with memorable music, dances and a heart-stopping duel, it tells the bittersweet tale of a love that could have been. Our extravagant production will transport you to the courtly elegance of nineteenth century Russia. Sung in Russian with English supertitles.
ACT I
Russia, 19th century. Autumn Harvest in the country.
On the Larin estate. Madame Larina reflects upon the days before she married, when she was courted by her husband but loved another. She is now a widow with two daughters: Tatiana and Olga. While Tatiana spends her time reading novels, with whose heroines she closely identifies, Olga is being courted by their neighbor, the poet Lensky. He arrives unexpectedly, bringing with him a new visitor, Eugene Onegin, with whom Tatiana falls in love.
Tatiana asks her nurse Filipievna to tell her of her first love and marriage. Tatiana stays up all night writing a passionate letter to Onegin and persuades Filipievna to have her grandson deliver it in the morning.
Tatiana waits for Onegin’s response in the woods nearby. He admits that he was touched by her declaration but explains that he cannot accept it and can only offer her friendship. He advises her to control her emotions, lest another man take advantage of her innocence.
INTERMISSION
ACT II
January. Tatiana’s Name Day
The local community has been invited to the Larin estate to celebrate Tatiana’s name day. Onegin has reluctantly agreed to accompany Lensky to what he mistakenly believes will be an intimate family celebration. Annoyed to find himself trapped at an enormous party and bored by the occasion, Onegin takes his revenge on Lensky by flirting and dancing with Olga. Lensky’s jealousy is aroused to such a height that he challenges Onegin to a duel. The party breaks up.
Before the duel, Lensky meditates upon his poetry, upon his love for Olga, and upon death. Lensky’s second finds Onegin’s late arrival and his choice of a second insulting. Although both Lensky and Onegin are full of remorse, neither stops the duel. Lensky is killed.
ACT III
St. Petersburg. The palace of Prince Gremin
Having travelled abroad for several years since the duel, Onegin has returned to the capital. Visiting his friend, Prince Gremin, he is introduced to the Prince’s young wife. Onegin is astonished to recognize her as Tatiana and to realize that he is in love with her.
Onegin hastily writes a letter to be given to Tatiana. He goes to her rooms, to beg her to run away with him. Tatiana admits that she still loves him, but that she has made her decision and will not leave her husband. Onegin is left desperate.
Courtesy of English National Opera
Cast
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