The Tale Of Tsar Saltan

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The Tale of Tsar Saltan comes to Madrid for the first time in an award-winning co-production from La Monnaie directed by Dmitri Tcherniakov, which showcases this little-known political work that tells an exciting fantasy story. 

 

Opera in a prologue and four acts

Music by Nikolái Rimski-Kórsakov (1844-1908)

Libretto by Vladímir Belski, based on the folk tale in verse by Aleksandr Pushkin

 

Premiered at the Solodóvnikov Theatre, Moscow, 3 November 1900

Premiere at the Teatro Real

New production by the Teatro Real, in coproduction with the Théatre Royal de La Monnaie / de Munt

 

 

SYNOPSIS
A tale of fantasy and tenderness in which Tsarevich Gvidon is transformed into a mosquito. His sister, the Tsarina, is also transformed into a swan by a malevolent spell. Together with their mother, Tsarina Militrisa, they will face various magical tests and challenges.

 

The death of Tchaikovsky at the end of 1893 made Rimsky-Korsakov – overnight – in charge of providing an annual opera for the Russian imperial theatres. The success of Christmas Eve (1895) confirmed the suitability of his successor for this task, opening in the process one of the most dazzling chapters –although little known outside its borders– of Russian opera. Far removed from Tchaikovsky's intimacy and Mussorgsky's political and social instinct, Rimsky-Korsakov found his own space in the de-individualised realm of Russian folklore: in its tales, legends and characters.

 

This co-production of the Teatro Real, which premiered at La Monnaie and won the International Opera Award for Best Production in 2020, will be directed by Dmitri Tcherniakov. The often controversial stage director approaches the Russian repertoire, however, with particular affection and empathy: presented as the story that a mother tells her autistic son to connect with his inner self, it will offer us a captivating and deeply moving experience.

Program and cast

Artistic team

Musical conductor: Karel Mark Chichon

Stage direction and set design: Dmitri Tcherniakov

Costumes: Elena Zaytseva

Lighting and video: Gleb Filshtinsky

Chorus master: José Luis Basso

 

Cast

Zar Saltan: Ante Jerkunica

Zarina Militrisa: Svetlana Aksenova

Tkachija: Stine Marie Fischer

Povarija: Bernarda Bobro

Babarija: Carole Wilson

Prince Gvidon: Bogdan Volkov

Princess Cisne: Nina Minasyan

Old Grandfather: Vasily Gorshkov

Messenger: Alejandro del Cerro

Skomoroj: Alexander Vassiliev

Sailor: Alexander Kravets

 

Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real

Commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the birth of Aleksandr Pushkin.

Teatro Real

The Teatro Real is Spain's leading opera house. It is considered to be the top institution in the country in the music and performing arts field. 


The Teatro Real Foundation is chaired by the King and Queen of Spain. It relies on two public administrations that took part in its creation: the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, and the Comunidad de Madrid (Regional Government of Madrid). The Foundation is governed by a Board of 31 trustees. The Board of Trustees elects the President of Board and the Executive Commission as proposed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. The Foundation is a public entity and there is an important role played by civil society in its governance and sponsorship. 


The objective of the Teatro Real is to create a venue for the most talented singers, conductors ands stage directors from around the world. Its artistic mission is expressed in programming which seeks excellence by combining classical and contemporary lyrical repertory to appeal to audiences of all ages and interests. Introducing young people and children to opera is of particular concern. All this, along with the Principal Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real, the most up to date technological expertise and the large number of in house productions on stages around the world has firmly positioned the Teatro Real in Spain and abroad. 

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