Chicago Opera Theater presents the Chicago premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta
Being able to see the light of the sun and the beauty of this world is a delightful gift. Unfortunately, some do not receive this gift, including the main heroine of Tchaikovsky’s last opera “Iolanta.” “What does it mean ‘to see’?” asks this blind and beautiful princess, and at the end of the opera she finds out. Chicago Opera Theater is thrilled to present the Chicago premiere of “Iolanta,” Tchaikovsky’s rarely performed operatic fairy tale. This production will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 10; at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 18 at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago.
Although Tchaikovsky himself judged this work very harshly, this one-act opera was greeted enthusiastically at its world premiere on December 18, 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg. The libretto was written by Tchaikovsky’s brother Modest who based it on the Danish verse drama “Kong Renés Datter” (King René’s Daughter) by Henrik Hertz. “I will write an opera such that the audiences will weep,” wrote Tchaikovsky to Modest in one of his letters, and he was right. “Iolanta” evokes strong feelings and touches the most sensitive strings of the human soul.
“There is such a wealth of spectacular Russian opera, but most of these works have never been heard in the United States,” said Chicago Opera Theater’s own Staley Music Director, Maestro Lidiya Yankovskaya, who was born in Saint Petersburg and has a special connection with this opera as it premiered in her hometown. “It’s a joy to bring these superb works to American audiences (my past performances include American premieres of Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Kashchej the Immortal’ and Symphony No. 1, Rubinshteyn's ‘The Demon,’ and the Russian-language premiere of Rimsky-Korsakov's ‘Snegurochka’). Although a staple of Russian repertory and the last of Tchaikovsky’s operas, ‘Iolanta’ is rarely heard in the US and has never been staged in Chicago.”
This operatic gem tells about a young princess named Iolanta, who was blind from birth but was not aware of her disability. Her father, King René, ordered his court to keep it a secret. Iolanta, who spent most of her time in a protected beautiful garden among her friends, felt that she was missing something. She found the truth about her condition from Count Vaudémont who fell in love with her. Vaudémont was the one who told her about the light that she couldn’t see, and he was the one who raised in her a desire to see that light. Finally, not only Iolanta’s sight was cured, but also her soul found peace and God’s love and her heart was given a chance to experience human love.
“Audiences tend to be most familiar with Tchaikovsky's 'Onegin,' an early work by the composer, but the height of Tchaikovsky’s compositional prowess can be heard in 'Iolanta,'” noted Maestro Yankovskaya in anticipation of her Chicago Opera Theater’s podium debut. “It's a work he wrote together with his brother Modest, one of the people closest to him – a work that was exceptionally personal and reflects the composer's life experience in a powerful way that will move any listener.”
“Iolanta” will give the audience not only a chance to enjoy the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s music, but it also will be performed in Russian, the first time for Chicago Opera Theater. Maestro Yankovskaya, a native Russian speaker who since her birth has been surrounded by Russian classical music, knows exactly how to present this opera in the right way. “Music, like any art, is a reflection of our experience,” noted Yankovskaya. “Having a larger variety of experience, linguistic knowledge and background gives one greater insight into any artistic work. I believe that being a native to Russian culture and language, as well as studying with Russian musicians my entire life has given me insight into Russian music. I also believe that having a background in other musical cultures and styles has allowed me to find a wide perspective on Russian work.”
With that said, this Chicago premiere of “Iolanta” promises to be spectacular. Of course, it wouldn’t be possible to create this great production without an outstanding cast and an extremely talented crew. Under the direction by internationally acclaimed and award-winning Scottish director, Paul Curran, this opera definitely will be a success. Paul has directed productions in many of the world’s leading opera houses and concert halls, and Chicago Opera Theater is happy to collaborate with such a talented director. Interestingly, Curran speaks nine languages and has translated several plays by Russian writers Chekhov and Ostrovsky, among works in other languages.
Extremely talented theatrical set designer, Alan E. Muraoka, who is also a popular production designer and art director for film and television, will add his insight to this new production of “Iolanta” and will help to make it look special and original. The creativity of lighting and projection designer Driscoll Otto from New York will also add a great portion of mastery to it; and costume designer Jenny Mannis, who is known for creating beautiful, smart and seductive costumes, will add her own note of elegance and beauty to Chicago Opera Theater’s “Iolanta.”
The cast for this production surprises with the great range of famous names and outstanding performers. The role of Iolanta will be presented by young and highly acclaimed American soprano Katherine Weber. Her unforgettable voice can be both warm and strong, that lets Katherine express the whole spectrum of emotions. Considering Weber’s touching and sincere presentation on stage, it is very likely that the role of Iolanta presented by this great singer will create unforgettable memories in people’s hearts.
The role of Vaudémont will be performed by an award-winning tenor John Irvin, who is known for his “golden sound” and “elegant wit.” His charming voice will match the role of Vaudémont, who brings light and joy into Iolanta’s life. The same will happen at the stage of Chicago Opera Theater – Irvin will enlighten this production by demonstrating his vigorous charisma and voice.
Iolanta’s father, King René, will be presented by acclaimed Russian singer Mikhail Svetlov who is considered to be one of the world’s most celebrated bass singers. Being a principal soloist of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre of Moscow and the Metropolitan Opera of New York, Svetlov is also a highly anticipated guest at major opera companies, festivals, orchestras and leading world venues. Being a top operatic bass, Svetlov delights audiences around the globe with his deep and rich voice, unique vocal range and power, and extraordinary acting skills. Svetlov knows how to add to his presentation of King René so much needed drama and to create an unforgettable image of this strong and temperamental character.
The role of Duke Robert, with whom Iolanta was first betrothed, will be performed by internationally acclaimed American baritone Christopher Magiera, who has performed worldwide as a leading baritone presenting hundreds of performances throughout the world, including numerous title roles. This award winning singer possesses a rich and distinguished voice which will fascinate the audience. The role of Ibn-Hakia, a Moorish physician who cured Iolanta, will be performed by famous American baritone Bill McMurray. McMurray has more than thirty operatic roles to his credit and is popular for his warm and rich voice and outstanding acting skills.
The role of Marta will be performed by young and talented American mezzo-soprano Emma Ritter, the role of Brigitta – by outstanding American soprano Katherine Petersen, who specializes in the performance of Russian Art Song, the role of Laura – by a young fast-rising operatic star, mezzo-soprano Annie Rosen, the role of Almeric – by extremely talented and enthusiastic lyric tenor Kyle Knapp, and the role of Bertrand – by Chicago native bass-baritone David Govertsen, who is famous for his rich and deep voice and outstanding performances.
With such a fantastic cast and under such outstanding leadership, the Chicago premiere of Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” at Chicago Opera Theater promises to be a success. As Tchaikovsky said, “Music is indeed the most beautiful of all Heaven's gifts to humanity wandering in the darkness. Alone it calms, enlightens, and stills our souls. It is not the straw to which the drowning man clings; but a true friend, refuge, and comforter, for whose sake life is worth living.” I would add: it is worth living to hear Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta.”
For tickets and information please go to https://www.chicagooperatheater.org/current-season/iolanta/ or call (312) 704-8414. The tickets range from $45 to $115. Studebaker Theater is located on the first floor of Fine Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago.
Natalia Dagenhart
Photo: Courtesy of Kate Lemmon