The Tsar's Bride

This new production by Paul Curran is not to be missed: a star cast and conductor for Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian masterpiece in its first ever performances by The Royal Opera.

The opera may be based on historical figures, but they act out a fictional story of intrigue, betrayal and corruption. Drawing on the director's specialist knowledge of Russia and the Russian opera repertory, this new production evokes a dark and threatening world with hardhitting contemporary resonance.

Marina Poplavskya, Johan Reuter and Ekaterina Gubanova lead a cast under the baton of the much-loved and respected Mark Elder. When Tsar Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa as his new bride, a web of romantic and political jealousy and intrigue brings about death and disaster for her and everyone around. The power of the few and privileged can still control - and ruin - the lives of anyone they choose.

Historical fiction and today's fact intertwine in this new production to startling effect. A highlight of the Season, it is a rare opportunity to see an operatic gem

Sung in Russian with English subtitles