Valery Popov

Following celebrated productions of Prokofiev Semyon Kotko and Shchedrin The Left-Hander, Valery Gergiev continues his survey of uniquely Russian works with The Golden Cockerel, Rimsky-Korsakov’s final and, arguably, most mysterious opera. This vibrant new production features bass-baritone Vladimir Feliauer as Tsar Dodon, alongside celebrated soprano Aida Garifullina as The Queen of Shemakha and mixes live action with CGI. It is the vision of Anna Matison, acclaimed playwright, script-writer, film director and producer.

A world renowned specialist in the music of Sergei Prokofiev, Valery Gergiev and his Mariinsky Orchestra and opera company have performed all of the composer's symphonies, concerti and operas on numerous occasions, both in St. Petersburg and on tour. This new video of Prokofiev's opera The Gambler, recorded and filmed in high-resolution at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in 2010, stars celebrated Russian tenor Vladimir Galuzin and bass Sergei Aleksashkin. Premiered in 1929 at the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels, the opera was originally conceived for first performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, but it was postponed due to the Revolution in 1917. On this filmed version, Georgian director Temur Chkheidze (who directed the opera with critical success at the Metropolitan Opera in 2001) gives a fresh look to Prokofiev's first opera. The Gambler is a four-act opera that displays the dramatic highs and lows involved in the game of chance. All of the characters fall victim to the temptation of gambling, each one consumed by the obsession and greed that drives them.

Since winning in 2004 prize at Francisco Vinas International Competition in Barcelona and two prizes at Placido Domingo’s Operalia Competition in Los Angeles, Dmitry Korchak has continued to delight audiences worldwide in some of the most celebrated venues, playing some of the greatest leading operatic roles and collaborating with renowned conductors and orchestras.