Debuts in Boris Godunov

Scene from the opera Boris Godunov
(production by Andrei Tarkovsky)

Andrei Tarkovsky’s legendary Mariinsky Theatre production of Modest Musorgsky’s opera Boris Godunov has been in the theatre’s repertoire since 1990, marking the theatre’s first co-production in recent history with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London). This production was performed to great acclaim until 1994 and was later revived in 2006, the revival premiere opening that year’s Stars of the White Nights international festival.

The performance on 19 January will see three debuts. The role of the Hostess of the Inn will be performed by Olga Savova, Honoured Artist of Russia, a singer who is artistically convincing in every role she undertakes. The singer recently celebrated thirty years on the stage and twenty-five years at the Mariinsky Theatre.

The acclaimed Alexei Steblyanko, a People’s Artist of the RSFSR who has a “resonant and dramatic tenor voice,” will be making his debut as Prince Shuisky. Having dedicated thirty-five years of his career to the Mariinsky Theatre, the singer has performed almost every major tenor role there, ranging from the lyrical to the intensely dramatic.

Eduard Tsanga is making his debut as Rangoni, a covert mercenary and secret emissary of the Pope. Nezavisimaya Gazeta has acclaimed Tsanga as a “true comic actor,” while the portal OpenSpace.ru sees “great comic charm and a natural onstage presence” in his potential. Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti has commented on the singer’s clear articulation as well as his acting and vocal skills.