Watch The Queen of Spades in New York
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades is a gripping and eerie opera set against the backdrop of Tsarist Russia. Premiered in 1890, this intense psychological thriller explores the darkest corners of obsession, madness, and the supernatural. Based on a short story by Alexander Pushkin, the opera follows Hermann, a soldier whose life spirals into chaos as he becomes fixated on a secret gambling formula. Tchaikovsky’s richly textured score vividly brings to life the atmospheric staging and the tormented characters, making this opera a masterpiece of musical drama.
Story Overview: The Queen of Spades
Act I: The Obsession Begins
The opera opens in St. Petersburg during the reign of Catherine the Great. We meet Hermann, a soldier who becomes obsessed with learning a secret that can guarantee victory at cards. His obsession intensifies after he learns that the old Countess, also known as the “Queen of Spades,” holds this secret. Despite being engaged to another man, Hermann falls in love with Lisa, the Countess’s ward. This act sets the stage for the dark themes of obsession and the supernatural that will dominate the opera.
Act II: Desperation and Deceit
Hermann’s obsession grows uncontrollable as he infiltrates the Countess’s mansion. He confronts her, demanding she reveal the secret of the three winning cards. The Countess, frightened by his aggression, dies of shock, taking the secret with her to the grave. Lisa, unaware of Hermann’s intentions, agrees to meet him later that night. The act concludes with a haunting scene where the Countess’s ghost appears to Hermann, revealing the fateful cards: three, seven, and ace.
Act III: The Fall into Madness
In the final act, Hermann’s obsession leads him to the gambling table, where he bets everything on the three cards revealed to him by the ghost. After winning the first two rounds, he places his fate on the final card, expecting it to be the ace, only to find the Queen of Spades in his hand. Realizing his mistake and the tragic irony, Hermann spirals into madness and takes his own life. The opera ends with Lisa’s grief and the haunting presence of the ghostly Countess.
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Cast and Creative Team
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” brought to life by an exceptional ensemble of performers and creatives, each bringing their unique artistry to this haunting tale of obsession and fate.
Cast:
- Conductor: Keri-Lynn Wilson
Renowned for her dynamic conducting style, Wilson leads the orchestra with precision and passion, ensuring that every note of Tchaikovsky’s complex score resonates with emotional depth.
- Lisa: Sonya Yoncheva
A celebrated soprano, Yoncheva captures the vulnerability and strength of Lisa, delivering a heart-wrenching performance that showcases her vocal prowess and dramatic intensity.
- Pauline: Maria Barakova
Bringing warmth and nuance to the role of Pauline, Barakova’s rich mezzo-soprano voice adds a layer of emotional complexity to the character’s interactions and relationships.
- Countess: Violeta Urmana
As the spectral Countess, Urmana’s powerful mezzo-soprano voice conveys both the eerie presence and tragic history of this pivotal character, leaving a lasting impression.
- Hermann: Brian Jagde
Tenor Brian Jagde embodies the tormented soul of Hermann, delivering a performance filled with raw intensity and vocal brilliance that brings the character’s descent into madness to life.
- Prince Yeletsky: Igor Golovatenko
Golovatenko’s portrayal of the noble yet heartbroken Yeletsky is both moving and regal, his baritone voice capturing the character’s depth of emotion and stoic resignation.
- Tomsky: Alexey Markov
Baritone Alexey Markov’s portrayal of Tomsky is charismatic and compelling, his commanding stage presence matched by his robust vocal performance, making him a standout in this complex narrative.
Creative Team:
- Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
One of the greatest composers of all time, Tchaikovsky’s masterful score for “The Queen of Spades” combines lush orchestration with deeply expressive melodies, capturing the opera’s dramatic highs and lows.
- Production: Elijah Moshinsky
Moshinsky’s vision brings Tchaikovsky’s dark and mysterious world to the stage, using intricate staging and thoughtful direction to draw out the opera’s psychological complexities.
- Set and Costume Designer: Mark Thompson
Thompson’s designs reflect the grandeur and decay of Tsarist Russia, with opulent costumes and evocative sets that transport the audience to the heart of the story’s historical setting.
- Lighting Designer: Paul Pyant
Pyant’s innovative lighting design adds depth and atmosphere to the production, using shadows and light to enhance the opera’s dramatic tension and emotional impact.
- Choreographer: John Meehan
Meehan’s choreography integrates seamlessly with the opera’s action, adding a physical dimension to the storytelling that underscores the characters’ emotions and interactions.
Venue Information: Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center
The Metropolitan Opera House, located at Lincoln Center, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, is an architectural marvel and a hub for world-class opera performances. With a seating capacity of approximately 3,800, the Met Opera House offers an intimate yet grandiose experience for opera lovers. The venue boasts state-of-the-art acoustics, ensuring that every note resonates beautifully, whether you’re seated in the orchestra or the balcony. As one of the most prestigious opera venues in the world, the Met provides a perfect setting for Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” in New York.
Music
Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades showcases his exceptional talent as both a symphonic composer and a master of ballet, evident in the opera’s intricate and compelling orchestration. The score brims with rich melodies and dramatic intensity, blending grand symphonic elements with intimate vocal solos that are considered concert standards in Russia. Each character’s emotion is vividly captured through the music, from the haunting arias to the intense ensemble pieces, all contributing to the opera’s gripping narrative and atmospheric tension.
Run Length and Schedule
The Queen of Spades at the Metropolitan Opera has a total runtime of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, including a 35-minute intermission. Below is the performance schedule for this production:
- Estimated Runtime: 3 hours and 40 minutes
- Performance Schedule:
- May 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- May 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- May 31, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- June 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- June 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM
The show features two acts with an intermission, making it an evening of immersive opera at one of the world’s premier venues. The best time to attend is during the evening performances to fully appreciate the atmosphere and the grandeur of the Met.
Dining and Refreshments
Attendees of The Queen of Spades at the Metropolitan Opera in New York can dine at the Grand Tier Restaurant. Two hours before the show, the restaurant serves a selection of delectable pre-performance meals. During intermission, patrons can also indulge in dessert. For those interested in exploring additional dining choices, the Lincoln Center vicinity offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, presenting various culinary delights to enjoy either before or after the opera.
