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EVENING SHOWS June 30 | July 5 | July 10 | July 13
SUNDAY MATINEES July 8Yevgeny Onegin
(Eugene Onegin)by Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Lyric Scenes in three acts
Libretto by the composer and Konstantin Stepanovich Shilovsky after
Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin’s novel in verse (1833)
First performance: Moscow; Moscow Conservatoire; March 29, 1879
Performed in Russian with English supertitles above the stageIn a whirlwind of youthful passion, Tatiana bares her soul to the mysterious Eugene Onegin, putting into motion an epic drama of love and regret. Based on the classic Russian novel by Alexander Pushkin, this story is a timeless tale of love, pride and lost opportunity. Set to music by one of western music’s greatest composers, Tchaikovsky's irresistible melodies and trademark dances combine to create a score that reflects the atmosphere and landscape of Russia with its picturesque countryside and imperial palaces. Eugene Onegin will be a company premiere for Des Moines Metro Opera and will also feature Ballet Des Moines as our most recent collaboration with another central Iowa performing arts organization.
CAST:
Madame Larina, a widowed landownerTatyana, daughter of Madame LarinaOlga, daughter of Madame LarinaFilipp’yevna, an old nurseYevgeny OneginLensky, a poetPrince Gremin, a retired generalZaretsky, a retired officerMonsier Triquet, a FrenchmanGuillot, Onegin’s valetPeasants, ballroom guests, landowners, officers
PRODUCTION:
Conductor:Stage Director:Associate ConductorAssistant Stage Director:Chorus Master:Musical Preparation:Scenic Designer:Costume Supervisor:Lighting Designer:Make-Up/Hair Designer:Costumes:Santa Fe Opera and Seattle Opera Costume Shop
Costume Designer: Isabella BywaterChoreography:Cast, production and opera are subject to change without notice.
SYNOPSIS:
Act I - Autumn
Scene I, Outside the Larin country 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, Tatyana and Olga. Tatyana spends her time reading novels, whose heroines she closely identifies with, while Olga is being courted by their neighbor, the poet Lensky. He arrives unexpectedly, bringing with him a new visitor, Eugene Onegin, with whom Tatyana immediately falls in love.
Scene II, Tatyana’s bedroom
Tatyana stays up all night writing a love letter to Onegin and persuades the nurse Filippyevna to deliver it in the morning.
Scene III, The garden
Tatyana waits for Onegin’s response. He explains that he cannot accept her declaration.
Act II – January
Scene I, Madame Larina’s house
Friends and neighbors have been invited to celebrate Tatyana’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 a country ball and bored by the occasion, Onegin takes his revenge on Lensky by flirting and dancing with Olga. Lensky becomes jealous and, after arguing with Onegin, challenges him to a duel.
Scene II, The duel
Lensky meditates upon his poetry, his love for Olga and death. Onegin arrives late, to the annoyance of Lensky’s second. Although both Onegin and Lensky are filled with remorse, neither stops the duel from going ahead.
Act III – St. Petersburg, 3 years later
Scene I, A ball
Having travelled abroad since the duel, Onegin has returned to the capital. Prince Gremin introduces his young wife. Onegin is astonished to recognize her as Tatyana.
Scene II, Later that evening
Onegin has sent a love letter to Tatyana. Hopelessly in love, he begs her to run away with him.