Die Zauberin

Tschaikovsky's The Enchantress originally takes place in the 15th century and is relocated to the present day in this innovative production. The charismatic, emancipated Nastassja, who rejects the advances of the cunning Mamirov, is confronted with the relentless forces of traditional values in a society torn between liberal freedoms and religious orthodoxy. The tragic ending overwhelms everyone. This production was a triumphant success - "At the end a storm of enthusiasm that is rare even at the Opera of Frankfurt" (Neue Musikzeitung) - for both the production and the performers, with soprano Asmik Grigorian praised as a "wonder" and baritone Iain MacNeil as "world-class".