The Queen of Spades

The 2019 revival of The Queen of Spades was notable not only as it marked the company’s first performances of Tchaikovsky’s macabre thriller in nearly a decade but also because it featured the Met debut of Lise Davidsen. Already celebrated in international opera houses for her portrayals of many of the repertoire’s most dramatic heroines, the Norwegian soprano caused a sensation with her searing portrayal of Lisa, who embarks on a disastrous love affair with the erratic officer Hermann, sung by rising star tenor Yusif Eyvazov. The performances also introduced audiences to baritone Igor Golovatenko, who gave a moving performance as Prince Yeletsky, and conductor Vasily Petrenko. Rounding out the principal cast, veteran mezzo-soprano Larissa Diadkova appeared as Lisa’s grandmother, the chilling old Countess.