Michael Hendrick makes his debut as “Chekalinsky”.
Lyric’s premiere; `Queen of Spades’ based on Alexander Pushkin’s drama
Sir Andrew Davis takes his baton to lead the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2000/2001 season-opening premiere Saturday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., featuring Peter Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” based on the drama by Black Russian Alexander Pushkin’s play.
Sir Davis stands on the podium this season as the new music director of Lyric Opera of Chicago. Operas programed, according to William Mason, general director and Matthew A. Epstein, artistic director for the entire season are in addition to “The Queen of Spades,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Rigoletto,” “Jenufa,” “Attila,” “Tosca,” “The Barber of Seville” and “The Flying Dutchman.” The six productions are new to Chicago.
Principal singers engaged for “The Queen of Spades” that will be performed Sept. 23, 27; Oct. 1 (mat.), 7, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25, 27 are Vladimir Galouzine, who makes his debut as Gherman, Katarina Dalayman will be heard for the first time as Lisa; Felicity Palmer is the “Countess”; performing for the first time as “Prince Yeletsky” is Bo Skovhus; Nancy Maultsby is “Paulilne”, “Susan Nicely” appearing in her lyric debut is seen in the role of “Governess” and Michael Hendrick makes his debut as “Chekalinsky”.
Appearing in supporting cast are Christopher Scott Feigum, Elena Kolganova, Dina Kuznetsova, Marlin Miller, Maris Viulis and Michael Sommese.
Social and romantic situations are not as wonderful as they could be in the salons of imperial Russia. Love is not as strong, there is perpetual evil triumphs and retribution strikes.
Ghermann, Alexander Pushkin’s tormented hero, is consumed by passion for Lisa and she will forsake the noble Prince Yeletsky to be with him. Yet, Ghermann’s obsession to learn the Countess’s secret of the three cards annihilates even love and fate deals a deadly hand to every one involved!
It is the scintillating music of Tchaikovsky that underscores Pushkin’s story. The world know him through such classics as “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Eugene Onegin” and the fabulous sets are the creative genius from the designer of “The Lion King.”
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