Carmen
When Carmen premiered in Paris in 1875 it was a complete failure followed by a flurry of critical reviews in the paper. Even the easily seduced French weren’t prepared for the striking realism on stage.
However, Bizet’s story of a fiery gypsy wooing a Spanish soldier reappeared eight years later and became one of the world’s most beloved operas. The National Opera is giving you a chance to see for yourself if you hate it or love it.
Sat, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., National Opera of Ukraine, 50 Volodymyrska St., tickets: Hr 20-200
archives.metoperafamily.org
Aida
The dramatic story of Aida is set during the war between Egypt and Ethiopia. It borrows a plot from the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, while Giuseppe Verdi brings it to life with music.
The main character is an enslaved daughter of an Ethiopian king. Egyptian military commander Radames is faced with a choice between his love for Aida and his loyalty to the Pharaoh.
Great stuff for the drama lovers.
Wed, Jan. 18, 7 p.m., National Opera of Ukraine, 50 Volodymyrska St., tickets: Hr 20-200.
artandseek.net
Boris Godunov
Modest Mussorgsky was a prolific Russian composer, but not when it comes to opera. In his lifetime he started several operas, but managed to complete only one – “Boris Godunov.”
Tsarist Russia of the 16th century comes alive to the composer’s music and libretto based on Alexander Pushkin’s eponymous drama. After seizing the crown of a Tzar by assassinating his heir Dmitri, Boris Godunov faces his avenger, Grigoriy, the monk, who pretends to be Dmitri who had survived the assassination attempt.
Aleksandr Pyrogov as Boris and Georgiy Nellep as Grigoriy feature in this powerful masterpiece on Kyiv’s stage.
Fri, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., National Opera of Ukraine, 50 Volodymyrska St., tickets: Hr 20-200.
