Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian masterpiece The Tsar’s Bride receives its first ever performances by the Royal Opera.

The Tsar’s Bride may be based on historical figures, but they act out a fictional story of intrigue, betrayal and corruption. Drawing on the director’s specialist knowledge of Russia and the Russian opera repertory, this new production evokes a dark and threatening world with hard-hitting contemporary resonance.

Marina Poplavskya, Johan Reuter and Ekaterina Gubanova lead the cast of The Tsar’s Bride under the baton of Mark Elder.

When Tsar Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa as his new bride, a web of romantic and political jealousy and intrigue brings about death and disaster for her and everyone around. The power of the few and privileged can still control – and ruin – the lives of anyone they choose. Historical fiction and today’s fact intertwine in this new production to startling effect.

The Tsar’s Bride is sung in Russian with English surtitles.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.