An open opera about the Great Tsarina

11.06.2009

An open opera about The Great Tsarina

The premiere of the "Tsarina" opera by contemporary Russian composer David Tukhmanov in Dmitry Bertman's production will take place in Russian State Academic Drama Theatre named after A. S. Pushkin (Alexandrinsky Theatre) on the 22nd and 23rd of July 2009.

"Tsaritsa" is a bright spectacular historical performance, based on the modern musical and literary material and is intended for family audience. In this scale performance  People's Artists of Russia Yuri Vedenev and Nikolay Baskov, specially invited soloist Oleg Riabets, "Helikon-Opera" soloists The Honoured Artists of Russia Ksenia Viaznikova, Elena Guschina, Elena Ionova, Larisa Kostiuk, Andrey Vylegzhanin, Nikolay Dorozhkin, Vadim Zaplechny, Igor Tarasov, as well as Anna Grechishkina, Marina Kalinina, Alexandra Kovalevich, Maria Maksakova, Irina Samoilova, Svetlana Sozdateleva, Svetlana Rossiyskaya, Vladimir Bolotin, Mikhail Verbitsky, Mikhail Guzhov, Alexey Dedov, Vasily Efimov, Alexander Kiselev, Emil Matveev, Mikhail Nikanorov, Dmitry Ponomarev, Alexey Tikhomirov, Elizaveta Chudovskaya, Ilya Ilin, Andrey Palamarchuk, artists of the choir and orchestra are engaged.

The opera is devoted to the greatest Russian tsarina Catherine II, her ascent to the power and glory, her transformation from the German pincess to the Empress of the great state.  The people's sufferings and loneliness of a woman invested with unlimited power are hidden behind the ceremonial palace facade.

Popular style of modern opera in "Tsaritsa" is combined with classic manner of performance: lyric parts, epic chorals, big orchestra (added with bells), and simplicity and melodiousness of music material with interesting recognizable plot.

The author of idea - People's Artist of Russia Lev Leschenko. The basis for the performance is music by David Tukhmanov upon libretto of Yuri Riaschentsev in co-authorship with Galina Polidi. The troupe of Moscow musical theatre "Helikon-Opera" is engaged in this dimensioned production. Stage director - People's Artist of Russia, Dmitry Bertman, Musical Director and Conductor - Konstantin Chudovsky, Set and Costume Designers - The Honoured Artists of Russia Igor Nezhny and Tatiana Tulubieva, Lightning Designer - The Honoured Worker of Arts of Russia Damir Ismagilov, Chief Choirmaster - The Honoured Artist of Russia Denis Kirpanev, Choreographer - laureate of international contests Edwald Smirnov.

Catherine II - Maria Maksakova, Prince Potemkin-Tavrichesky - Andrey Vylegzhanin	Platon Zubov - Vasily Efimov
Photos by Stanislav Kovalenko