“ For me , this was a package experience . Between Anna ’ s Russian history lesson , plus getting to meet Kady , I was set to watch the details rush by as the music and singing carried us along . I enjoyed sneaking views at Kent Nagano in the orchestra pit when I wasn ’ t watching both the screen and the characters . Following the camerawork , watching the stage rotate , plus appreciating the opulent costumes , I was happy to have my front row balcony seat , where I leaned forward almost into the middle of the throng . There were so many levels of history being addressed , ( plus ) the question of a good leader , acceptable succession , the effects of peer pressure and fake news , whether culture belongs to a people or is used by powers , ( that ) I ’ m still intellectually overstimulated two days later , in a good way . The glass of wine afterwards couldn ’ t compete with that buzz .” Mary Frances Ludolph
“ After our informative opera lunch introduction to the rise and fall of Tsar Boris Gudunow and this long-evolving period of Russian history and also hearing from singer Kady about how director Frank Castorf has a particular artistic signature or visual concept , I was curious how this would all come together on stage .
“ The music in this opera is very different from the ones we ’ ve done . It isn ’ t as melodious as I like , and the story is hard to follow . Of course Elizabeth and Anna prepared us wonderfully so we could understand most of the action taking place . Visually it was very interesting . Lots to look at ! And with dinner and drinks afterwards so we could all talk about it — it was a great evening !” Lisa Schnabel
“ After intense study with the AWCH Opera Club , the day finally came to see the show at the Staatsoper in Hamburg . The costumes for the overture were dazzlingly colorful and made the desired impact .
The performance of the choir and soloists presented a special symbiosis with the orchestra , which brought the music to life . The bold interpretation of the opera held the listeners ’ attention and gave an up-to-date view of the world situation . It was a musical experience that fulfilled my curiosity and expectations .” Geysa Wiemann
What a feast for the eyes — the historic characters of tsarist Russia mixed with multi-visual modern elements .
It especially was exciting to see the revolving modern stage design of Russian history keep turning : from a red orthodox church to a Soviet monument , from submarine-like quarters or a modernist café to a monumental Coca-Cola bottle with a straw . I confess the constantly changing eye-candy visuals kept my attention . But I did find Boris ’ s voice was superb !” Venita Kaleps
26 CLUBS WITHIN OUR CLUB