Debuts in the opera Prince Igor

The opera’s literary basis, the ancient Russian epos The Lay of Igor’s Host, tells of Prince Igor Sviatoslavich of Novgorod-Seversk’s campaign against the Polovtsians. Because of his vanity Igor wished to gain victory without the assistance of other princes and met with a resounding defeat. Writing of the internecine discord, the anonymous author passionately entreated all of Russia’s princes to unite. The composer was near Putivl (not far from Kursk), where he studied historic source materials including manuscripts and early tales (Beyond the Don River and Mamaevo Battle) as well as research into the Polovtsians.

Mezzo-soprano Regina Rustamova’s debut will not be the young soloist’s first appearance in the opera Prince Igor, having previously appeared onstage as a Polovtsian Maiden, though the role of the mighty khan’s daughter Konchakovna will be her first major role at the Mariinsky Theatre.

The role of Vladimir Igorevich, in love with Konchakovna, will be sung for the first time by tenor Dmitry Voropaev, whose performing style critics have said is remarkable for its “incredible softness, lyricism and flexibility.”
As Virgil said, “love conquers all”, and the passion of the Polovtsian maiden and Vladimir, the son of Prince Igor, will overcome the centuries-old enmity between the Polovtsians and the Russians.