The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the summer encore of the Met Opera’s “Eugene Onegin” (from the 2007 season) on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
In this unforgettable Met performance from 2007, beloved American soprano Renée Fleming and late Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky come together in this poetic drama of unrequited love. Valery Gergiev conducts.
Act I
The widowed Madame Larina has two daughters: The romantic Tatiana spends her time reading novels; the spirited Olga is being courted by their neighbor, the poet Lenski. When he visits with his friend Eugene Onegin, Tatiana falls in love with Onegin and writes him a passionate letter. In response, Onegin declares he can only offer her friendship and condescendingly advises her to control her emotions, lest another man take advantage of her innocence.
Act II
Onegin has reluctantly accompanied Lenski to Tatiana’s name day celebration. Bored by the occasion, he takes his revenge by flirting with Olga. Lenski’s jealousy is aroused to such a degree that he challenges Onegin to a duel. Both men are full of remorse, but neither stops what is happening. Onegin kills Lenski.
Act III
After traveling abroad, Onegin has returned to the capital. At a ball, Prince Gremin introduces his young wife. Onegin is astonished to recognize her as Tatiana and to realize that he is in love with her. Now it is he who sends her a letter and begs her to run away with him. Tatiana admits that she still loves him but that she has made her decision and will not leave her husband, leaving Onegin desperate.