The Palais Garnier in Paris is once again hosting Russian opera, marking a significant cultural moment after a near five-year pause following the 2022 resumption of Tchaikovsky’s Chovanščina. The return was heralded with a new production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, a cornerstone of both Russian opera and literature. Adding to the occasion was the directorial debut of British actor Ralph Fiennes, who previously portrayed the title character in a 1999 film adaptation directed by his sister, Martha Fiennes.
Fiennes’s staging, according to reviews, leans towards a conventional and largely uncontroversial interpretation. The production avoids the more radical reinterpretations favored by some contemporary opera directors, opting instead for a visually pleasing and narratively coherent approach. The design, by Michael Levine, incorporates a dominant presence of the Russian forest, particularly in the first two acts, with the Larin family home appearing increasingly enclosed by trees, a visual metaphor that expands as Tatiana expresses her emotions in the famous love letter scene. Choreography by Sophie Laplane and costumes by Annemarie Woods further contribute to the production’s aesthetic, evoking the atmosphere of Tsarist Russia.
While the production doesn’t aim for visceral excitement, it prioritizes security and longevity, a quality that may prove valuable given the mixed reception of Calixto Bieito’s recent production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at the Bastille Opera. A notable symbolic element is the continued presence of Lenskij’s body on stage during the Gremin household scene, a visual reminder of Onegin’s guilt following the duel.
The musical performance was led by Russian-born conductor Semyon Bychkov, recently announced as the future music director of the Paris Opera, in his first Parisian production since the appointment. Bychkov, who first conducted Eugene Onegin as a 20-year-old student, brought a rich and nuanced interpretation to the score, maintaining a careful rapport with the singers.
Baritone Boris Pinkhasovich delivered a compelling performance as Onegin, praised for his vocal power and attention to phrasing. Ruzan Mantashyan portrayed Tatiana with a darker, almost mezzo-soprano quality, showcasing both vocal beauty and theatricality. Marvic Monreal’s Olga provided a vibrant contrast with her generous and robust voice. However, the performance of Ukrainian tenor Bogdan Volkov as Lenskij was singled out for particular praise, with critics noting his masterful handling of the role’s lyrical and dramatic demands.
Alexander Tsymbalyuk offered a strong portrayal of Prince Gremin, capturing the tradition of Slavic bass singers, while Peter Bronder’s interpretation of Monsieur Triquet drew comparisons to French operetta. Susan Graham as Madama Larina and Elena Zaremba as Filipp’evna also delivered convincing performances. The chorus, directed by Ching-Lien Wu, was praised for its precision and integration with the choreography.
The production opened on , and received a warm reception from the audience at the Palais Garnier. While some critics suggested that a firmer directorial hand might have elevated the production further, the overall consensus was positive, recognizing Fiennes’s successful debut as an opera director and the strength of the musical performances. The staging avoids unnecessary modernizations, instead focusing on a faithful and elegant presentation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.
Bychkov’s direction was noted for maintaining dramatic tension throughout the performance, despite a slight disconnect between the orchestra and the stage during the duel scene. The conductor’s focus on the dynamics and colors of the score was lauded, contributing to a performance that allowed the music to shine. The production represents a significant moment for the Paris Opera, re-establishing a connection with Russian musical tradition and showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists.
