Home > Musicals/Performing Arts

A look at the famous Kirov Ballet, including unearthed photographs and film footage and performances from many dancers through the Ballet`s long history, including some footage never before seen in the West.

Restored to its original format after the Communist regime in Russia dictated that various changes has to be made, Milhail Glinka`s A LIFE FOR THE TSAR is brought to life here. The story involves an impoverished Polish man who unwittingly leads his men in the wrong direction while searching for the Tsar.

The King of the Huns is the subject matter for Verdi`s ATTILA, which is performed here at the Arena di Verona Opera festival. Silvano Carroli portrays the Roman general who is given the task of bringing the Hun down, while Attila himself is played by Evgeny Nesterenko. Meanwhile, Nello Santi performs conducting duties throughout, guiding the Orchestra and Chorus of the Arena di Verona to provide a fitting musical backdrop.

A talented cast and crew combine on this performance, bringing Matthew Bourne`s production of NUTCRACKER! to the stage. Performed at Sadler`s Wells in London, Bourne`s seasonal production, full of Christmas cheer, enjoyed a lengthy run at the theater as well as a subsequent tour across the U.K. Tchaikovsky`s music and Bourne`s production skills make for a perfect marriage, so it`s not surprising to learn that the show managed to set record numbers for audience figures during its tenure at Sadler`s Wells.

Verdi`s five-act opera DON CARLOS is performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, on this release. An accomplished cast brings the dramatic story to life, with Bernard Haitink conducting the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, and producer/designer Luchino Visconti overseeing the entire production.

Bernard Haitink conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra in this production of Bizet`s opera CARMEN. Filmed in the intimate surroundings of the Glyndebourne Theater, a cast including Maria Ewing in the title role, Marie McLaughlin as Micaela, and Barry McCauley as Don Josi provides a thrilling rendition of Bizet`s masterpiece.

Universally acknowledged as the greatest of all Russian operas, this dazzling production was taped live at Moscow`s Bolshoi Theatre in 1978. Nesterenko gives a remarkable, vivid, human portrait of the tormented, half-crazed Tsar. In Russian with English subtitles.

Taped live at the Bolshoi Opera this Russian masterpiece is the sprawling tale of the struggle for power in Russia at the beginning of the reign of Peter the Great.
In Russian with English subtitles.