Tchaikovsky: Pique Dame (Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg 2018, Directed by: Mancini)

Hans Neuenfels, a luminary of modern Regietheater, presented a multifaceted production of Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades at the 2018 Salzburg Festival that was convincing in every respect. In Christian Schmidt’s simple, mostly abstract sets, Neuenfels framed “gripping performances by a strong cast” (The New York Times) within a “dreamlike production” (FAZ). The outstanding cast, strong down to the smallest role, featured Brandon Jovanovich and Evgenia Muraveva brilliantly in the title roles of Hermann and Lisa, alongside the unfailingly charismatic, powerful-voiced Hanna Schwarz as the Countess. Mariss Jansons, always in magnificent form, can be seen at the podium of the Vienna Philharmonic in one of his rare appearances as an opera conductor. The press was unanimous: “Another triumph in this sweltering festival summer” (Neue Zürcher Zeitung); “Mariss Jansons is perhaps the finest connoisseur of this unjustly neglected opera” (Süddeutsche Zeitung). This outstanding realization of Tchaikovsky’s key work on every level is truly a must for all opera lovers.