An opera review by Victor Grynberg
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) is widely acknowledged as the finest Russian composer of all time.
In fact, most critics will categorise him as one of the five greatest composers ever. Tchaikovsky is best known for his symphonies, especially 4, 5, and 6, his violin and piano concertos, and his big hit ballets Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. In his relatively short career before his untimely death, he also wrote 11 Operas. None became as famous as the pieces above, but of all of them, only Eugene Onegin is somewhat regularly produced around the world.
Last night I saw my first ever Onegin.
Musically, it is pleasant but not quite as magnificent as his big hits. Nonetheless, the first-class production by OA, featuring excellent singers, dancers and musicians, resulted in a performance that was hugely appreciated by the packed Joan Sutherland Theatre audience.
Eugene Onegin is a love story from a novel by the famed author Alexander Pushkin, but it is in fact a most unusual love story. This production was designed by Kasper Holten, then Artistic Director of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and this revival was beautifully directed by Heather Fairbairn, with great support from the choreographer Chloe Dallimore.
The vital lead role of Tatyana was sung quite wonderfully by Australian soprano Lauren Fagan, who has spent most of her career singing in famed European opera houses. Just perfect in this. Every lead was also excellent. Because the opera was sung in the original Russian, it was probably easier for Andrei Bondarenko, who played Onegin, because he was born in Ukraine. His big rival was the character Lensky, who duelled with Onegin. Another excellent singer was Australian Nicholas Jones, who has had an extensive career with OA and other Australian opera companies.
Tatyana’s rival is Olga, a character very well sung and acted by experienced Australian Sian Sharp.
As is usual with OA, whose standards of production are always world-class, the large chorus was absolutely terrific and contributed greatly to this tremendous production.
Congratulations to them and their Chorusmaster, Paul Fitzsimon.
And how excellent were the dancers supporting them!
Russian-born Anna Skryleva , Music Director of Theatre Magdeburg, was the conductor of the always terrific Opera Australia Orchestra, whose playing of the extensive Tchaikovsky score was marvellous.
So all in all, a very interesting and enjoyable production, strongly acknowledged at the conclusion by the audience who obviously loved what they saw and heard
EUGENE ONEGIN
JOAN SUTHERLAND THEATRE
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
March 17, 2026
5 stars