Written in 1891, “Iolanta” is the last opera by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a prominent Russian composer. He drew his inspiration from the play “King Rene’s Daughter” by the Danish poet Henrik Hertz.
It tells the story of princess Iolanta who’s blind from birth. She is not aware of her disability as the king has ordered his court to keep it a secret. Iolanta finds out the truth from a prince who is in love with her, and later this turns out to be the key to her miraculous recovery.
Some music historians say that although the public received Tchaikovsky’s opera really well, the genius himself was disappointed and felt that he had exhausted his creativity. Last time the Ukrainian opera staged Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece was in 1961.
They decided to resurrect it 50 years later in hope that this love story will appeal to a modern audience.
Friday, July 1 and July 8, National Opera, 50 Volodymyrska St., 279-1169, www.opera.com.ua. Tickets: Hr 20-200.
