Rimsky-Korsakov: The Tale of Tsar Saltan

Composed to mark the centenary of Pushkin's birth in 1899, Rimsky-Korsakov's opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan was based on an imitation folk tale by the great Russian writer: a story of love, jealousy, enchantment and miracles. Although the opera is now rarely performed, classical music lovers will certainly recognise the number from it that became an instant hit after its 1900 premiere – the "Flight of the Bumblebee". But this score also boasts numerous other delights and this characteristically bold 2019 production by Russian director Dmitri Tcherniakov revels in the work's humour and psychological depths alike. Alain Altinoglu conducts a largely Russian-speaking cast.