Most recent performance
There are currently no scheduled performances of The Queen of Spades. It was last on stage 13 January—1 February 2019 as part of the Winter 2018/19 season.
The Story
The penniless soldier Gherman has fallen in love with Liza, even though she is engaged to his friend Yeletsky. Gherman learns that Liza's grandmother the Countess knows a winning three-card formula. Gherman determines to wrest the secret from the Countess, gain a fortune through gambling and marry Liza.
Read more… (Contains spoilers)
Background
Tchaikovsky began work on The Queen of Spades in 1889. He based it on a short story by Alexander Pushkin, one of his favourite writers. He and his brother Modest (his co-librettist) dramatically altered Pushkin's plot, turning Gherman from a cynical opportunist into an ardent lover and Liza into a tragic figure. Tchaikovsky put a great deal of work into the opera's premiere at St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre in 1890, and was thrilled by its success.
The Queen of Spades is one of Tchaikovsky's most impressive and varied scores, containing grand choruses, intimate arias and duets (such as Liza and Gherman's passionate Act I love duet), a masquerade paying tribute to Mozart and a terrifying supernatural episode. Stefan Herheim's spectacular production places Tchaikovsky himself at the heart of the action, and asks searching questions about the nature of creativity and the parallels between life and art.
News and features
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Your Reaction: What did you think of Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades live in cinemas?
22 January 2019
Stefan Herheim's Royal Opera production was relayed live to cinemas around the world.
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Your Reaction: What did you think of Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades?
14 January 2019
Audience responses and press reviews of Stefan Herheim's staging of Tchaikovsky's ambitious opera.
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Watch LIVE: Insights into Tchaikovsky's The Queen of Spades on 18 December 2018
17 December 2018
Join The Royal Opera as they explore the composer's late, great opera.
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Royal Opera House 2018/19 Season announced
20 March 2018
The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera's programme for the coming Season include world premieres, major new productions and classic revivals.