This Saturday at 1 PM, tune in to WHRO FM for a captivating broadcast of Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” presented as part of the 2024 WFMT Opera Series. This opera, a masterful adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's Gothic tale, explores the darkness of human obsession and the allure of the unknown.
The story follows Hermann, an engineering officer with a compulsive gambling habit, who falls for Lisa, a woman already betrothed to Prince Yeletsky. Hermann’s quest for a secret formula of three winning cards from Lisa’s grandmother leads him down a perilous path.
Tchaikovsky’s opera, which he completed in just 44 days, is brought to life in a stunning new staging by the Bavarian State Opera. This production features Lithuanian soprano Asmik Grigorian, the 2023 Opus Klassik Singer of the Year, whose performance as Lisa promises to be unforgettable. Grigorian’s portrayal, praised for its dramatic intensity and vocal excellence, has already been hailed as extraordinary in her 2022 performance at La Scala.
Joining her are renowned American tenor Brandon Jovanovich as Hermann and the legendary Violeta Urmana as the Countess, whose secret drives Hermann to the brink of madness. The production is conducted by the talented young Uzbek maestro Aziz Shokhakimov, music director of the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, and directed by Benedict Andrews, known for his bold vision in both theatre and film.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a gripping and intense opera that has captivated audiences since its premiere in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Tune in, this Saturday afternoon, to WHRO 90.3 or onlineat WHRO’s media player.
COMPOSER: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
LIBRETTO: Modest Ilyich Tchaikovsky
VENUE: Das Nationaltheater München
PRESENTING COMPANY: Bavarian State Opera
CAST:
Hermann: Brandon Jovanovich
Count Tomsky :Roman Burdenko
Prince Yeletsky: Boris Pinkhasovich
Chekalinsky: Kevin Conners
Surin: Bálint Szabó
Chaplitsky: Tansel Akzeybek
Narumov: Nikita Volkov
Countess: Violeta Urmana
Lisa: Asmik Grigorian
Polina: Victoria Karkacheva
Governess: Natalie Lewis
ENSEMBLE: Bavarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra
CONDUCTOR: Aziz Shokhakimov
