The Primorsky Stage will present a unique film which was released under the Mariinsky label on June 3, 2013. The production was staged by internationally acclaimed theatre director Temur Chkheidze, People’s Artist of Russia and Georgia, with a brilliant cast of the Mariinsky opera company, the choir and the symphony orchestra under Maestro Valery Gergiev’s leadership. A superb vocal and dramatic performance of the part of Alexei was given by People’s Artist of Russia Vladimir Galuzin. His interpretation of one of the most complex opera parts is considered the best in history. Other key roles were performed by leading singers of the Mariinsky Theatre: Honored Artist of Russia Tatiana Pavlovskaya (Polina), People’s Artists of Russia Larisa Diadkova (Babulenka) and Sergei Aleksashkin (the General).
Prokofiev’s works are one of the key areas of expertise of the Mariinsky Theatre company and Maestro Valery Gergiev. Right after the release, the DVD of The Gambler received numerous rave reviews in the international press. In 2014 it won the most significant international award in the world of classical music — the International Classical Music Awards — and was included in the short list of the British International Opera Awards (in the nomination of the Best DVD) known as the ‘opera Oscar’.
“Musically, this performance is very strong. Gergiev is on his home territory here, and he has the orchestra and singers eating out of his hand. The orchestra, in particular, play brilliantly for him, illustrating every nuance of Prokofiev’s endlessly pictorial score with delicacy and virtuosity, and the conductor controls the opera’s unfolding structure with security and strength.” (Music Web International)
“It’s a fine work, too little known outside Russia; perhaps its lack of prettiness skews theatres against it. But the Mariinsky presents it with a world-class cast which gives it its very best chance of success, as does the excellent quality of picture and sound in this release (...) Terrific singing and acting.” (Sinfini Music)
“The direction is sensible and, happily for those of us watching it on screen, the acting is first class. (...) The singing is marvellous. (...) The orchestra under Gergiev is also superb.” (Limelight, Australia)
