Opera in NYC: The Queen of Spades at The MetOpera

December 5, 2019December 8, 2019 arts-NY 1 Comment

Opera in NYC: The Queen of Spades at The MetOpera

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s opera about the vices of gambling and greed is performed at The MetOpera by the impressive international cast

Larissa Diadkova as the Countess, Lise Davidsen as Lisa, Yusif Eyvazov as Hermann, and Igor Golovatenko as Prince Yeletsky in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades" at the MetOpera — Larissa Diadkova as the Countess, Lise Davidsen as Lisa, Yusif Eyvazov as Hermann, and Igor Golovatenko as Prince Yeletsky in Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades.” Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera

Mysterious and alluring, the Imperial Russia of Catherine the Great’s time takes the stage of the Met Opera this December. The critics call The Quees of Spades, a masterpiece created by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the highlight of the season so far. The splendid and imperially rich set and costume design by Mark Thompson recreates the times of extreme fashion, endless balls, and futile gambling and drinking nights. Premiered in 1995, Elijah Moshinsky’s production of The Queen of Spades is also memorable to the opera fans for Dmitriy Hvorostovky’s debut at the Met Opera.

This year’s production features a superb cast of international stars with a radiant soprano Lise Davidsen as Lisa, an expressive tenor Yusif Eyoavazov as Hermann, impeccable baritones Igor Golovanenko and Aleksey Markov as Tomsk and Yeletsky, and a moody mezzo-soprano Larisa Diadkova as the countess. The conductor Vasily Petrenko makes his debut on the Met stage and takes full control of the splendid music score, leading the musicians in perfect alignment with the singing and acting.

Alexey Markov as Count Tomsky in Tchaikovsky's "The Queen of Spades." — Alexey Markov as Count Tomsky in Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades.” Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera

Davidsen’s stormy entry into the opera world can only be fully appreciated when her powerful performance is observed on stage. With an understatement so suitable for Lisa, a young Russian lady of modest means, Davidsen uses her vocal strength to deliver the angst and desperation because of her lover’s betrayal in the name of material possessions. The colorful and exquisitely designed chorus scenes contrast with the gloomy mood and greedy aspirations of the high society. But the gorgeous music and the impressive signing save the day to the elation of the audience.

The opera is sung in Russian with subtitles; run time 3 hours and 35 minutes with one intermission. Performances are from December 5 – 21, 2019.

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Music in NYC: Russian Elegy Program of Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Lyadov at Aspect Chamber Music Concert

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019 arts-NY 1 Comment

Music in NYC: Russian Elegy Program of Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Lyadov at Aspect Chamber Music Concert

Aspect Chamber Music Series presents the Russian Elegy program performed by violinist Misha Keylin, cellist Zlatomir Fung, and pianist Pavel Nersessian on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 7.30 pm at Bohemian National Hall; illustrated talk by BBC radio host Stephen Johnson

Mikhail Glinka, Piotr Tchaikovsky; violinist Misha Keylin, pianist Pavel Nersessian, cellist Zlatomir Fung

Introspective and moody, the music of the Russian composers projects the warmth and emotional depth which are precious gifts for chamber music lovers. This Holiday season three brilliant musicians, violinist Misha Keylin, cellist Zlatomir Fung, and pianist Pavel Nersessian, are teaming up for an elegiac program of music by Lyadov, Glinka, and Tchaikovsky.

Veteran BBC radio host and musicologist Stephen Johnson leads an illustrated lecture on the three Russian composers on the bill, exploring the theme of the Russian elegy. Johnson is a writer, broadcaster and lecturer on music.

Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857), influenced by the rich folk tradition and orthodox church chants in the Russian province which he heard in childhood, is considered to be the grandfather of Russian classical music. Better known for the distinctly Russian operas, his oeuvre includes expressive chamber music written yearly in his career. Glinka’s work had inspired a plethora of Russian composers including Tchaikovsky and Lyadov.

Treat yourself for an evening of exceptional music played by the amazing young musicians.

Get tickets at 33% off with code ARTSNY23 at checkout when attending the Aspect Chamber Music Series for the first time.

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Program:

Lyadov — Three Pieces, Op. 57
Glinka — Trio Pathétique
Tchaikovsky — Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50

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Music in NYC: “When Tchaikovsky Met Brahms” Program Presented by Aspect Foundation

February 15, 2019April 24, 2019 contact@arts-ny.com 1 Comment

Music in NYC: ‘When Tchaikovsky Met Brahms’ Program Presented by Aspect Foundation

Music by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Grieg complemented by an illustrated talk about the composers’ relationship is on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 7.30 pm at the Italian Academy of Columbia University

Violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, pianist Wu Qian — Alexander Sitkovetsky, violin and Wu Qian, piano / Image courtesy of the artists

The reputed Sitkovetsky Duo with violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky, and pianist Wu Qian will perform a delightful music program preceded by a scholarly lecture by professor Nicolas Chong. The evening’s theme is a story about the Romantic period’s grand masters: Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Grieg.

It is well-known that Brahms, a giant of the German school, and Tchaikovsky, the most popular Russian composer of all time had an acrimonious relationship. While they shared a birthday, March 7, and belonged to the same circle of friends and music connoisseurs, the story goes that they disliked each other’s music and were not that friendly with each other. This did not prevent them from sharing friends and spending good time in each other’s company. Grieg who with his wife was also part of the same social circle was skillfully able to smooth things out between the other two composers.

The program on March 6, 2019 at Italian Academy of Columbia University features the works of all three:

Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100
Tchaikovsky Souvenir d’un lieu cher, Op. 42
Grieg Sonata No. 3 in C minor

The program highlights the strength of the individual style of composition and will make you forget the behind the scenes gossips. Get tickets at 33% off with code ARTSNY23 at checkout when attending the Aspect Foundation Concert Series for the first time.

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Beyond NYC: Midland Music Concert Series at BWC with an all Tchaikovsky Program

December 3, 2018July 2, 2020 contact@arts-ny.com 1 Comment

Beyond NYC: Midland Music Concert Series at BWC with an all Tchaikovsky Program

“In Celebration of a Great Artist” program dedicated to 125th anniversary of Tchaikovsky’s death is performed at the Bronxville Women’s Club on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 7.30 pm

Vassily Primakov, Oxana Mikhailoff, Filip Pogády, Yves Dharamraj. — Pianist Vassily Primakov, pianist Oxana Mikhailoff, violinist Filip Pogády, and cellist Yves Dharamraj / Images courtesy of the artists

Presented by Midland Concert Series, “In Celebration of a Great Artist” an all Tchaikovsky program with a breathtaking Piano Trio in A Minor and Concert Suite “The Nutcracker “ is a wonderful holiday treat for music lovers. The program features pianists Vassily Primakov and Oxana Mikhailoff, violinist Filip Pogády, and cellist Yves Dharamraj.

While no-one can imagine Winter Holiday time without the eternal music from the Nutcracker, the rest of the program is a thought-provoking and serious compositions perfectly fitting for the concert in memory of a beloved composer. The truly international group of musicians assembled for this concert is a testimony of the universal power of great music and of Tchaikovsky’s enormous contribution to this art genre.

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Beyond NYC: Sparkill Concert Series in Memory of a Great Artist

November 15, 2018April 24, 2019 contact@arts-ny.com 2 Comments

Beyond NYC: Sparkill Concert Series in Memory of a Great Artist

All Tchaikovsky program including breathtaking Piano Trio in A Minor and Concert Suite “The Nutcracker “ on Sunday December 9, 2018 at 3 pm

Vassily Primakov, Yves Dharamraj, Filip Pogády / Images courtesy of the artists

Presented by Sparkill Concert Series and GetClassical, “In Memory of a Great Artist” an all Tchaikovsky program is a wonderful holiday treat for music lovers. The program features pianist Vassily Primakov, violinist Filip Pogády, cellist Yves Dharamraj, and guest artists, Oxana Mikhailoff and Asiya Korepanova. Korepanova will also display her original artwork – a collection of 18 drawings – inspired by the pieces that make up Tchaikovsky’s Op.72.

While no-one can imagine Winter Holiday time without the eternal music from the Nutcracker, the rest of the program is a thought-provoking and serious compositions perfectly fitting for the concert in memory a beloved composer. The truly international group of musicians assembled for this concert is a testimony of the universal power of great music and of Tchaikovsky’s enormous contribution to this art genre.

Tag: Tchaikovsky