This beloved work of Russian fiction is transposed to the musical stage. Olgas fiancé, Lensky, comes to call bringing with him a stranger, his friend Onegin. Olgas romantic sister, Tatyana, immediately falls in love with Onegin and writes a letter to him declaring her love. She is devastated when he claims that he finds it impossible to love and that he will never marry. At Tatyanas birthday party the following evening, Onegin flirts with her sister, angering Lensky, and the two friends fight a duel, which ends in tragedy. Many years pass before Tatyana and Onegin meet again and this time it is Tatyana who receives a love letter from Onegin. Tatyana has already married and, although still in love with Onegin, will not betray her husband. Tchiakovsky’s rich orchestrations and beautiful vocal lines bring to life this great tragedy with all its passion and intensity.

Eugene Onegin, by P.I. Tchaikovsky
Libretto by Tchaikovsky and Silovsky, after a novel by Pushkin
Directed by: Nancy Hermiston, UBC School of Music
Conducted by: Norbert Baxa
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
March 3 - March 6, 2005