Eugene Onegin

In the programme Background Notes to Eugene Onegin we read about Tchaikovsky’s requirements for his singers and orchestra. “Singers of a medium standard who will be able to act simply but well.  The conductor must be a true leader of the orchestra”.  Now, while Fife Opera have certainly attained the latter, I’m afraid they did not conform with the first requirement, because, in fact, no one could accuse this Fife company of presenting singers of a “medium standard”, rather, (and as usual), both principals and chorus are of a very high standard indeed.

Principals were, to a large extent, double cast in this production.  The night I visited, Tatyana and Olga, the two daughters, were played with conviction by Margaret Sharp and Beth Taylor respectively.  Their arias were beautifully sung, with Tatyana’s Letter Song in Act 1 drawing much deserved applause, from an audience that certainly deserved to be greater in number. The daughter’s mother Larina was presented in fulsome character by Rosemary Nairne, while their nanny, Filipievna (Elaine Young) relates eloquently about her first love to Tatyana, prompting the latter to write a letter to Eugene Onegin (Jonathan Kennedy), with whom she is infatuated. Meanwhile Lenski (Kenny Reid) has declared his love for Olga. However, in a bored moment Onegin flirts with Olga, and, in true operatic fashion, a duel ensues.  In a woodland at dawn, Onegin fires and kills Lenski.

Act 3 moves on several years and Tatyana is now married to Prince Gremin – confidently (and aristocratically) played by Russell Malcolm. At a Society Ball, Gremin introduces Onegin, once more, to Tatyana. Onegin realises that he still has feelings for Tatyana and declares his love for her, but Tatyana insists she will not leave her husband. The curtain falls with Onegin left distraught and alone.

Tchaikovsky further wrote with regard to this work “I know well enough that it (the opera) will be deficient in stage effects” – not so here in Kirkcaldy.  A very flexible, easily moved set by John Urquhart, allowed for numerous changes between interior and exterior locations.  Congratulations to Fife Opera for tackling a more demanding opera than in previous years. Perhaps choosing a slightly more popular piece – or, dare I say it, an operetta – would encourage the Fife public to attend in greater numbers.

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