For the first time in its 33-year history, Virginia Opera is proud to bring a Russian opera to the stage with its new production of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's heart-rending EUGENE ONEGIN – performances are scheduled between Feb. 8 and March 2 in Norfolk, Fairfax and Richmond, Va.
Based on the novel-in-verse by Alexander Pushkin, EUGENE ONEGIN receives its name from the title character, a young aristocrat whose rejection of the beautiful Tatiana in his selfish arrogance, compounded by a fatal duel with his best friend, Lensky, deliver him into a state of tragic regret later in life, desperate to reclaim a lost chance for love.
To present the most culturally authentic production possible, Virginia Opera Artistic Director Peter Mark has brought in significant talent from Russia and the Ukraine, all making company debuts:
• Russian-Israeli stage director Julia Pevzner for a traditional staging
• Russian soprano Veronica Mitina – who like Tchaikovsky and Pushkin hails from St. Petersburg – in her company debut as Tatiana
• Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Oksana Sitnitska as Olga, Tatiana's sister
• A new set by Russian-Israeli set designer Alexander Lisiyansky, built completely by the production crew at Virginia Opera – another "first" in the company's history
Making his company debut in the title role is handsome baritone Jason Detwiler. Lensky will be sung by returning tenor Patrick Miller, who was highly-praised for his portrayal of Sam Polk in the Virginia Opera premiere of SUSANNAH (2006). Behind the scenes, Mr. Miller also fills the real-life role of husband to Ms. Mitina – their wedding festivities this past September included a reception with her family in St. Petersburg, Russia.
A tremendous return to the Virginia Opera stage comes in the role of the nurse, Filippievna, which will be sung by internationally-acclaimed Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Barbara Dever, who appeared with Virginia Opera as Klytemnestra in ELEKTRA (2002) and Azucena in IL TROVATORE (1989). A 14-year veteran of the Metropolitan Opera, Ms. Dever is also scheduled to sing Filippievna during their 2008-2009 season.
"It is always exciting to explore completely new areas of the operatic repertoire, and we are thrilled to take our first step into the world of Russian opera with this new production," says Virginia Opera Artistic Director Peter Mark, who will conduct all performances – except for the final performance in Richmond, which will be conducted by Assistant Artistic Director Joseph Walsh. New lighting from returning designer Mark McCullough will illuminate the new set. The production opens at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk on Feb. 8, with additional performances on Feb. 10, 13, 15 and 17. Performances continue at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Va. on Feb. 22 and 24, followed by the final performances Feb. 29 and March 2 at the Landmark Theater in Richmond, Va. -- www.vaopera.org
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