A performance of Prokofiev's opera relayed direct from the Maryinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. The Kirov Opera under its music director Valery Gergiev presents David Freeman 's Royal Opera production. First staged at the Maryinsky when it was the Kirov Theatre (and when St Petersburg was still
Leningrad), it opened at
London's Covent Garden in 1992 to great critical acclaim. Set against the background of religious hysteria in 16th-century Germany at the time of the Inquisition, the opera tells the tale of Renata, tormented by the vision of an angel who tempts her into sinful acts and dabble in magic. During the interval a contemporary morality tale paints a picture of St Petersburg.
Introduced by James Naughtie.
Director Brian Large
Producer Peter Maniura
As coverage of this event Is live, subsequent programmes may run late.