Ralph Fiennes is set to venture into a new creative domain as he makes his debut in the world of opera directing. He will take on Tchaikovsky’s renowned opera “Eugene Onegin” at the Paris Opera next season. The show is slated to unfold at the historic Palais Garnier, with performances scheduled from January 26 to February 27. In this much-anticipated production, Boris Pinkhasovich will embody the character of Eugene Onegin, opposite Ruzan Mantashyan as Tatiana. Additionally, the cast features Bogdan Volkov as Lensky and Susan Graham portraying Madame Larina.
At 62 years old, Fiennes carries an impressive repertoire of accolades. He has been nominated for the prestigious Academy Awards on three occasions, with his most recent nomination arising this year for the film “Conclave.” Additionally, he received an Emmy Award nomination, and in 1995, he won a Tony Award for his role in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The connection between Fiennes and “Eugene Onegin” is not entirely new, as he previously starred in the title role of the 1999 film “Onegin,” an adaptation of the Alexander Pushkin novel on which the opera is based. The movie was directed by his sister, Martha Fiennes.
Semyon Bychkov will be the maestro conducting most of the opera’s performances, while the stage design will be crafted by Michael Levine, and Annemarie Woods will handle the costume design. The announcement of Fiennes’ project not only highlights his participation but also sets the stage for the Paris Opera’s 2025-26 season, which promises a variety of compelling performances. New productions slated for that season include Verdi’s “Aida,” Wagner’s works “Die Walküre” and “Siegfried,” as well as Antonia Bembo’s “Ercole amante.”
In addition to these fresh offerings, the opera house will revive several popular productions, such as Claus Guth’s imaginative staging of Puccini’s “La Bohème,” which intriguingly relocates the opera to a setting resembling a spaceship and another planet. Also making a return is John Adams’ “Nixon in China,” featuring celebrated performers Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson. The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling mix of groundbreaking productions and beloved classics, each offering unique artistic interpretations and experiences for the audience.