Some of Tchaikovsky's most sensual music takes us into the world of Russian opera for the first time in Opera Pacific's history. The lavish settings by Pier Luigi Samaritani were originally created for the Lyric Opera of Chicago; Colin Graham who directed our Macbeth last season directs this passionate story of unrequited love.

The internationally known baritone Lucio Gallo makes his Opera Pacific debut in the title role, with Mary Mills and Maria Kanyova alternating as Tatyana. Tenor Hugh Smith (Des Grieux in Manon Lescaut) returns as Lensky, and acclaimed bass Eric Halfvarson returns as Prince Gremin. Stephen Lord, Music Director of the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Boston Lyric Opera, conducts.