Film Review: Eugene Onegin

Eugene Onegin

If you have missed the other satellite opera productions from the Metropolitan Opera you still have time for two more productions on March 24 and April 24. The showings are at the ScotiaBank Theatre (Paramount) and the Sheppard Grande... You must reserve ahead of time because all the productions have been sold out well before the showing date. It is a brilliant concept. The performances are in high fidelity and come directly by satellite to many theatres around the world. It is larger than life. Words can’t describe the sensation of seeing this great talent right in your face. You can read their lips. You see every facial expression. The sound is spectacular. If I had to find a minor complaint I would say the clarity is a bit light in color. Also Renee Fleming is supposed to be a young girl of seventeen. Up close it is more obvious that she is a bit older. It all didn’t matter because the music is so exquisite. I also like the fact that the English subtitles are at the bottom of the screen so you can see the full production and read the words at the same time. I was anxious to see Eugene Onegin because it is part of the series for next year for the COC. It will be great to compare. Renee Fleming played the lead role of Tatiana. She is so beautiful and every note was like an angel singing. The handsome and talented Dmitri Hvorostovsky sang the role of Eugene Onegin. It was superb. The music is by Tchaikovsky and the lyrics are based on a verse by Pushkin. It is a story of unrequited love. During the intermission Beverley Sills interviews the main singers. You are taken back stage. The conductor also talks to you during a rehearsal. The total production is a thrilling experience. I do recommend this new art form.
Saturday March 24 Rossini; the Barber of Seville 1:30 p.m.
Saturday April 24 Puccini: Il Trittico 1:30 p.m.