An Israeli premiere of Tchaikovsky’s last opera

After more than a century, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1892 one-act lyric opera, Iolanta, has finally premiered on stage in Tel Aviv. This production by the Israeli Opera marks the first time Tchaikovsky’s final opera has been presented to Israeli audiences, following a review of Eugene Onegin on these pages in 2022.

A Story of Sight and Love

Iolanta, also known as Iolanthe, is based on a Danish play and tells the story of a princess deliberately kept in isolation. Her father conceals the fact that she is blind, believing it is for her own good. The narrative unfolds as she unexpectedly finds love, which ultimately awakens in her a desire to see and appreciate the beauty of the world.

Did You Know? The libretto for Iolanta was penned by Tchaikovsky’s brother, Modest, who relocated the story’s setting to southern France.

Staging and Direction

The current production features a somewhat unconventional set design by Adam Keller, depicting a barren lunar landscape. This choice contrasts with the opera’s lyrical references to a paradise brimming with fragrant flowers, particularly roses, which hold symbolic importance within the plot. Director Shirit Lee Weiss, who recently directed The Love Potion for the Israeli Opera in 2024, incorporates sand play into the performance.

Conductor Dan Ettinger, the musical director of the Israeli Opera, leads the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion in this premiere.

Performances and Cast

Turkish-Uzbeki soprano Angelina Akhmedova delivered a moving performance in the title role of Iolanta at the January 19th premiere, marking her debut in Tel Aviv. She shares the role with Armenian soprano Ani Yorentz, who is making her second appearance with the Israeli Opera.

Expert Insight: The reliance on international artists for the majority of the principal roles in this production suggests a deliberate effort to bring fresh talent and perspectives to the Israeli Opera stage, potentially broadening its artistic reach and audience engagement.

The four significant male roles are also largely filled by performers new to Israeli audiences, with baritone Oded Reich (Robert) and Ionut Pasco (Ibn-Hakia) being the only regulars with the Israeli Opera in meaningful roles.

Musical Highlights

While Tchaikovsky’s composition is consistently melodic, the opera lacks prominent musical moments until its final, powerful hymn of praise to God – a deity also referred to as Allah within the opera’s dialogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Iolanta?

Iolanta tells the story of a princess who is hidden away because she is blind. Her father keeps her condition a secret, but when she falls in love, she finds the strength to seek her sight and experience the world’s beauty.

Who composed the music for Iolanta?

The music for Iolanta was composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892. It was his last opera.

When did Iolanta premiere in Tel Aviv?

Iolanta premiered in Tel Aviv on January 19th as a production of the Israeli Opera. It was the first time the opera had been staged in Israel.

Will this production of Iolanta inspire further exploration of Tchaikovsky’s works within the Israeli Opera’s repertoire?