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© Teatro Real
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan
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 June 2026 | ||||||
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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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