Shchedrin's opera is a vision of the Russian soul, steeped in the music of the Russian Orthodox Church and based on a novella by Nikolai Leskov. This epic tale of seduction, murder, obsession, prophesy and destiny is brought to life in an expressive score with influences of both traditional folk tunes and oratorio, and imbued with the energy and passion of gypsy romance. The orchestra is supplemented with exotic instruments from Russian musical traditions including the balalaika and the gusli, a Russian zither.
Commissioned by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered in 2002, The Enchanted Wanderer received its Russian premiere in 2007 under the baton of Valery Gergiev and this Festival performance marks its UK premiere.
UK Premiere: Mariinsky Opera and Orchestra - Conducted by Valery Gergiev
Written by Rodion Shchedrin - Concert performance sung in Russian.