Iolanta

Fri., May 9, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 11, 2:30 p.m.; $33, Curtis Opera Theater at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700, curtis.edu.

by David Shengold

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Published: May 6, 2008

opera

Pyotr Tchaikovsky's final opera, Iolanta — premièred side by side with The Nutcracker at St. Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre in 1892 — is a gem of a work deserving wider currency. Only 80 minutes, it richly evokes the fairy-tale world of ancien-régime France that the composer drew on so lovingly for Sleeping Beauty. There's even the requisite handsome knight, whose love wins a sheltered princess (unknowingly blind from birth) her sight. AVA ventured a piano-accompanied Iolanta in 2005; Curtis presents the work as intended, with Tchaikovsky's lush orchestration — albeit in a concert staging. But Iolanta's simple message (belief in love conquers all impediments) needs nothing elaborate to be a moving musical experience. All the leads get showy arias, the lovers a thrilling love duet and the whole cast a rousing finale. Amanda Majeski and Charlotte Dobbs share the touching title role. The fine tenor Dominic Armstrong sings the valiant Vaudemont. The Curtis Symphony's expert players are in fine hands with Rossen Milanov wielding the baton.

Fri., May 9, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 11, 2:30 p.m.; $33, Curtis Opera Theater at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700, curtis.edu.

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