Ever since its premiere in St. Petersburg in 1892, The Nutcracker has been an integral and irreplaceable part of Christmas celebrations worldwide and a work of theatrical exuberance synonymous with the unfettered joys of childhood wonderment. Kyiv National Opera House touching and multilayered version of the famous ballet is a spectacular re-imagining that has been greeted with rapturous acclaim by audiences whenever it is performed.
The story in 19th century Russia, where the idyllic, natural rhythms of life provide the backdrop to the fantastic dream journey of Fritz and Marie, the brother and sister at the center of the narrative. Audience will follow the bickering siblings through an astonishing dreamscape of fantastic creatures, places and events, before they finally arrive at the magical palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy, having grown into a new maturity and understanding. With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score underpinning the entire spectacular affair, The Nutcracker is a ballet like no other.
Performances: January 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 2017.
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Opera has plenty of femmes fatales, but there's only one Carmen. Spanish heat and gypsy passion are brought to the stage in Kyiv National Opera House vivid production of Bizet's opera. Carmen's allure proves spellbinding as she seduces a hapless corporal and then a dashing bullfighter. You’ll feel the heat as you’re captivated by Bizet’s bewitching melodies — the smoky Habanera, the playful Seguidilla, the provocative Gypsy Song. Every single melody in this ever-popular opera is a beloved hit, and each is brought to life by a cast of spectacular leading artists.
Performances: January 3, 2017.
One of the most beloved ballets, Swan Lake, is the classic love story between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette divided by the villainous sorcerer Rothbart in a story where true love conquers all.
Performance: January 17, 2017.
The story of Scheherazade, as imagined by Léon Bakst and as choreographed by Michel (Mikhail) Fokine for the Ballets Russes, is an orgiastic explosion of seemingly mismatched colors and Persian spectacle. Premiering on June 4, 1910, the ballet featured Ida Rubinstein as the wanton Sultaness Zobeide and Vaslav Nijinsky as the "golden slave». Kyiv National Opera House brings an oriental fairy tale to life with «Scheherazade", one of the most popular ballets.
Performances: January 10, 13, 2017.
The genius of Giuseppe Verdi resides in the wonderful dramatic tension that subtends his operas and in the irresistible beauty of his melodies. Nabucco, narrating a famous Biblical episode, contains in its heart the claims to independence of the people, subjected for too long to foreign domination. Set during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar (Nabucco), King of Babylon, the opera tells the tale of Nabucco's fictitious daughters, Abigaille and Fenena, who are rivals for the love of Ismaele, nephew of the King of Jerusalem.
Performance: January 27th, 2017.
The iconic Cio Cio San (Madama Butterfly) opera tells the story of the Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San, whose love for the American navy lieutenant Pinkerton eventually drives her to her death. Cultures clash when a trusting young woman marries an American naval officer stationed in Nagasaki. Puccini’s gut-wrenching music takes the audience on an emotionally charged journey through innocence, betrayal and sacrifice towards a heartbreaking finale.
Performance: January 18, 2017.
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Photo source: opera.com.ua . All photos belong to their rightful owners.
