|
Sung in Russian
One man’s obsession with a lucky card trick turns the fates of three in Tchaikovsky’s vibrant melodrama. Russian tenor Vladimir Galouzine returns to HGO as the tormented Herman, internationally renowned soprano Tatiana Monogarova makes her HGO debut as his beloved Lisa, and Vasily Ladyuk is the dashing Prince Yeletsky. Canadian mezzo-soprano Judith Forst is the keeper of the fated secret. This award-winning production is a visual treat with imaginative puppets and mixed-period costumes. Italian maestro Carlo Rizzi conducts.
"Telling theatricality." - Opera News
“[Galouzine’s] voice, dark-timbered, rich and resonant, brought a brooding intensity to Herman’s obsessions. Russian soprano Tatiana Monogarova made her North American debut as Lisa. Her singing was as full-bodied and vibrant as Galouzine’s but with a mellow beauty that effectively contrasted the innocent goodness of Lisa with the destructive neuroses of Herman.” –Opera News
Articles
"Galouzine, brilliant throughout, is at his peak here — as is the
orchestra's superb performance of Tchaikovsky's inventive and emotional
score, deftly conducted by Carlo Rizzi ... This Queen of Spades
plays a winning hand — with Galouzine's electrifying Herman its ace." - Houston
Chronicle
Click
here to read the entire article
"Tenor Vladimir Galouzine has sung the tragic role numerous times at
all
the great opera houses, and consequently he brings an emphatic,
multi-layered interpretation to Houston keeps you on the edge of your
seat for three hours." - Culture Map
Click
here to read the entire article
"This is an excellent
production of a nineteenth century operatic masterpiece that is too
rarely heard in the US." - ConcertoNet.com
Click
here to read the entire article
"Queen of Spades is big and bold, a absolute maelstrom of music
and tragedy. Plunging as it does into the depths of the human soul and
its capacity to single-mindedly chase after what it wants to the
detriment of all around it, this is opera to leave you breathless." - Houston Arts Week
Click here to read the entire article
"The puppets are more than just an added novelty. They interact with the
live characters in such a way so as to move the story forward or reveal
the background of the character. " - Houston Press
Click here to read the entire article
"Houston Grand Opera gives its first The Queen of
Spades in 28 years with the production opening Friday at Wortham
Theater Center." - Houston Chronicle
Click
here to read the entire article
At the age of 12, Phillip Bevers will perform as the Boy Captain in The Queen of Spades. “It feels good to get a lead role ... I didn’t expect it at all.” - Fort Bend Herald
Click here to read the entire article
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Judith Forst discuss The Queen of Spades on The Front Row
The Queen of Spades Synopsis
Tomsky entices Herman with the legend of the old Countess, known as the "Queen of Spades" (wmv)
Pauline serenades her girl friends in Lisa's room (wmv)
A troupe of puppets entertain party guests with a story of ill-fated love (wmv)
Ball guests tease Herman about his obsession with the cards (wmv)
Lisa tries to intervene but Herman's obsession with the cards is more powerful than even her love (wmv)
At the gambling house, Herman bets on the secret of the three cards (wmv)
Colin Ure's Podcast Guide to The Queen of Spades (mp3)
Preview The Queen of Spades (YouTube)
Preview 2009/10 season operas
|
