In nineteenth-century Russia, Eugene Onegin is a sophisticated but cavalier bachelor who rejects young Tatiana’s naive confession of love. Bored, he tries to seduce his best friend’s betrothed, which unsurprisingly incites a duel in which Onegin kills his dear comrade.

Years later, Onegin “meets” lovely and cultured Tatiana and declares his love for her; it is the same Tatiana, now stylish, married, and happy. Though she still feels for Onegin, her marriage—and heart—will remain intact.

Enveloped in Tchaikovsky’s sweeping melodies, Onegin is left distraught and alone, one of Russian literature’s “superfluous men.”

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In Russian with English supertitles. Livestreamed at https://iumusiclive.music.indiana.edu/