Eugene Onegin

Eugene Onegin is the most famous opera by the Russian master Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

Since its first performance in 1879, the work has lost none of its popularity, and today it remains one of the most performed in the world. Inspired by Constantin Shilovsky's versified novels and Pushkin's poems, this work is a symbol of Russian lyricism. Its music darkly evokes the torments of a young aristocrat who, out of pride, loses the two people closest to him.

The action takes place in St Petersburg at the beginning of the 19th century. Eugene Onegin, an idle, self-centred young aristocrat, spurns the woman who loves him and provokes his best friend into challenging him to a duel.

In a country estate near St Petersburg, Mrs Larine lives with her two daughters: Olga, the laughing one, and Tatiana, the romantic one. Visitors arrive unexpectedly. They are Lenski, Olga's fiancé, and Eugène Oneguin, a St Petersburg dandy. That evening, when she finds herself alone in her room, Tatiana is immediately seduced and decides to write a passionate letter to her new friend. 

Onegin agrees to pay her a visit, only to reply curtly that he is not suited to marriage. Tatiana is devastated.