8 months ago
La Scala Premieres Shostakovich's Censored Lady Macbeth
Teatro alla Scala in Milan had a big celebration for the first performance of Shostakovich's 'Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk'.
This opera was once banned by Stalin.
The audience loved it and gave a 12-minute standing ovation.
The story is about a woman named Katerina who gets into trouble because of love and ends up in prison.
The director, Vasily Barkhatov, set the story in a dark restaurant in the 1950s, showing the harsh times under Stalin's rule.
The lead singer, Sara Jakubiak, did a great job playing Katerina.
Some people protested outside, but inside, everyone enjoyed the show.
The conductor, Riccardo Chailly, is retiring soon, and this was his last premiere.
The theater's new manager said that music is more important than political fights.
Teatro alla Scala premiered Shostakovich's 'Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk' with a 12-minute standing ovation.
The opera, censored by Stalin in 1936, highlights women's struggles in Soviet Union.
Director Vasily Barkhatov set the story in a 1950s Russian city with a dark, Art Deco restaurant as the main setting.
U.S. soprano Sara Jakubiak received cheers for her portrayal of Katerina, featuring 47 high B flats in one night.
Protests for peace and against war occurred outside, while dignitaries including Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli attended the gala.
- Who
- Teatro alla Scala in Milan premiered Shostakovich's 'Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk' with a 12-minute standing ovation.
- What
- The opera, originally censored by Stalin, was performed with a bold staging by Vasily Barkhatov.
- Where
- The performance was held at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.
- When
- The premiere took place on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
- Why
- The opera highlights the condition of women in Stalin’s Soviet Union and was blacklisted after a 1936 performance.
Key facts
- Opera
- Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
- Composer
- Dmitry Shostakovich
- Theater
- Teatro alla Scala, Milan
- Director
- Vasily Barkhatov
- Conductor
- Riccardo Chailly
- Lead Performer
- Sara Jakubiak (Katerina)
- Duration
- 2 hours 40 minutes
- Standing Ovation
- 12 minutes
Quotes
Sara Jakubiak
U.S. soprano and performer of the title role in 'Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk'
“Whenever I prepare a role, it’s always the text and the music and the text and the rhythms, First, I do this process with, you know, a cup of coffee at my piano and then we add the other layers and then the notes. So I guess we’re actually somewhat similar in that regard.”
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“That I’m a murderess, that I’m singing 47 high B flats in one night, you know, all these things, You go, ‘Oh my gosh, how will I do this?’ But you manage, with the right kind of work, the right team of people. Yes, we’re just going to go for the ride.”
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Vasily Barkhatov
Stage director of 'Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk'
“Lady Macbeth is a very brave and exciting choice for La Scala's season opening.”
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“a weird … breakthrough to happiness and freedom.”
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Riccardo Chailly
Conductor and music director at Teatro alla Scala
“It is an opera that has long suffered, and needs to make up for lost time.”
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