The Tsar's Bride at The Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden

The Tsar's Bride by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

14 April 2011 to 2 May 2011

This new production by Paul Curran is not to be missed: a star cast and conductor for Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian masterpiece in its first ever performances by The Royal Opera. The opera may be based on historical figures, but they act out a fictional story of intrigue, betrayal and corruption. Drawing on the director’s specialist knowledge of Russia and the Russian opera repertory, this new production evokes a dark and threatening world with hardhitting contemporary resonance. Marina Poplavskya, Johan Reuter and Ekaterina Gubanova lead a cast under the baton of the much-loved and respected Mark Elder. And with the brilliant orchestration and large ensembles this is a fine showcase for the acclaimed Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. When Tsar Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa as his new bride, a web of romantic and political jealousy and intrigue brings about death and disaster for her and everyone around. The power of the few and privileged can still control – and ruin – the lives of anyone they choose. Historical fiction and today’s fact intertwine in this new production to startling effect. A highlight of the Season, it is a rare opportunity to see an operatic gem.

Conductor, Mark Elder. Marfa Sobakina, Marina Poplavskaya. Grigory Gryaznoy, Johan Reuter. Lyubasha, Ekaterina Gubanova. Ivan Sergeyevich Lïkov, Dmitry Popov. Elisa Bomelius, Vasily Gorshkov. Vasily Sobakin, Paata Burchuladze. Dunyasha Saburova, Jurgita Adamonyte. Domna Saburova, Elizabeth Woollett. Malyuta-Skuratov, Alexander Vinogradov. Petrovna, Anne-Marie Owens. Director, Paul Curran. Designs, Kevin Knight. Lighting design, David Jacques.