Based on Gogol’s fantastical and comic story of the Devil’s antics on Christmas Eve, this magical blend of opera and ballet is brought to vivid life in Francesca Zambello’s colourful production. Magnificent set designs (Mikhail Mokrov) and costumes (Tatiana Noginova), and an excellent, largely Russian cast provide authenticity. Splendid dancing by The Royal Ballet and Cossack dancers completes the spectacle. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true surround sound. 

1 DISC SET

Solokha: Larissa Diadkova

The Devil: Maxim Mikhailov

Chub: Vladimir Matorin

Panas: John Upperton

Oxana: Olga Guryakova

Vakula: Vsevolod Grivnov

Pan Golova: Alexander Vassiliev

The Schoolmaster: Viacheslav Voynarovskiy

Odark: Olga Sabadoch

Wood Goblin: Changhan Lim

Echo: Andrew Macnair

His Highness: Sergei Leiferkus

Master of Ceremonies: Jeremy White

Principal Dancers: Mara Galeazzi & Gary Avis

Dancers of The Royal Ballet

Orchestra of The Royal Opera House

Conductor: Alexander Polianichko

Director: Francesca Zambello

Choreography: Alastair Marriott

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Nov 2009

Extra features:

Introducing Cherevichki by Francesca Zambello

Cast & Characters

Staging Gogol's world

“It’s pretty as a picture, no question – an animated pop-up book of naïve and colourful charm.” 

Independent

“…this expensive-looking production that combines the forces of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet…” 

The Guardian