Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin premiered at the Paris Opera

On January 26, the premiere of "Eugene Onegin" by composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky took place at the Paris National Opera (Grand Opéra). The French, who managed to get tickets to the opera staged by British actor and director Ralph Fiennes, told Izvestia about their love for Russian literature and culture.

One of them, 19-year—old Lukas, standing at the crowded stairs leading to the theater building before the start of the production, said that Eugene Onegin would be the first opera in his life - until that time, the young man had not yet become acquainted with the works of this genre. He added that he treats this event with interest and pleasant excitement.

"I <...> studied what it is. I know it's based on a poem (a novel in verse. — Ed.) by [Russian writer Alexander] Pushkin. In Onegin, we are talking about a woman and two men who are in conflict; there is a story of jealousy, there is a story of friendship between these men, which leads to a duel. One of them is dying — it's Lensky," Nicolas Heim shared his analysis.

Another interlocutor of Izvestia, Rosa, who appeared at the walls of the opera in a cape specially created in the style of the 19th century, said that she had also read the original text of Pushkin's work. Answering a question about the attitude towards subtitles in French, which should be broadcast on stage, the girl said that this fact did not bother her at all.

"I really like the Russian language, I think it's very beautiful. My boyfriend, who is here with me, is also learning Russian. I've never heard an opera in Russian before, and the fact that there will be subtitles is great, although I don't know if I'll read them: I think I'll just listen and enjoy the music and the place itself," Rosa added.

At the end of the production, a French citizen named Augustin expressed a desire to share his emotions with Izvestia. So, according to the man who studies literature, philosophy and history, he was greatly impressed by the opera.

"The performance was very emotional, and I really felt it strongly, so it was a wonderful experience for me. In addition, the production was wonderful: dancing (there were. They were very beautiful, there was great simplicity and at the same time great restraint," he concluded.

"The duet of Fiennes and Bychkov will lead us to triumph"

Opera singer Boris Pinkhasovich — about the upcoming premiere of "Eugene Onegin" at the Grand Opéra and the significance of Tchaikovsky's work for Europeans

A little over a month ago, on December 18, 2025, Anastasia Riqueza, a correspondent for Izvestia, told about the opening of the Russian film festival at the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Orthodox Center in Paris, and pointed out the increased interest of the French in Russian culture. Then the actress Olga Lomonosova noted that, despite the geopolitical situation, she did not feel hostility, but, on the contrary, met with people's smiles.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.