The Golden Cockerel

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site and the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall are delighted to invite you to an evening of dazzling musical performances on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.

Join us for an inspiring night filled with music, community, and celebration in the historic setting of Philipse Manor Hall!

About the Show

Inspired by Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving
Based on the fable by Alexander Pushkin
Music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Translated from Russian by: Julian H. Lowenfeld

Performed in the original Russian with English subtitles (video credit: www.tatyanazb.com)

The Golden Cockerel, an iconic operatic work, finds its roots in a fascinating cultural lineage. The story, originally penned by Alexander Pushkin, was inspired by Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra—a rich collection of legends and folklore set in the enchanted halls of the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Irving’s vivid storytelling captured the imagination of 19th-century Europe, and his tales sparked Pushkin’s creativity, ultimately giving rise to a fable that would transcend literature and find new life in music and performance.

Set to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant and dynamic score, The Golden Cockerel blends satire, fantasy, and political commentary. This groundbreaking production brought the tale to life through a bold fusion of drama and operatic music, under the visionary direction of Grammy-nominated opera bass Mikhail Svetlov.

Internationally acclaimed for his commanding stage presence and powerful voice, Mr. Svetlov not only directed the performance but also starred in the central role of Tsar Dodon. His portrayal was nothing short of mesmerizing—infusing the character with both humor and gravitas, and capturing the emotional complexities of a ruler caught between fear, vanity, and fate.

From the world’s grandest stages, including the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden, to this intimate and imaginative retelling, Svetlov brought a rare authenticity and artistry to the performance. The result was a captivating theatrical experience that paid homage to its literary and musical origins while offering a fresh, emotionally resonant interpretation for today’s audiences.

In a unique casting approach, the role of the seductive Queen of Shemakha was performed in rotation by two remarkable sopranos. Nicole Haslett, a coloratura soprano lauded for her work with Deutsche Oper Berlin, brought luminous tone and magnetic stage presence. Anna Aistova, a San Francisco Conservatory graduate, offered a radiant and emotionally rich interpretation, marked by vocal brilliance and compelling dramatic expression. Each soprano added her own artistry to the Queen, offering fresh nuance and depth with every performance.

The musical dimension was further elevated by virtuoso pianist Alexander Chaplinsky, whose interpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant score shaped a dynamic soundscape—underscoring the opera’s humor, tension, and lyricism with masterful finesse.

Serving as the production’s narrator, Tatyana Zbirovskaya brought Pushkin’s poetic verses to life. A seasoned performer whose work spans opera, theater, and film—including roles at the Metropolitan Opera—Zbirovskaya skillfully channeled the story’s satire and emotion, weaving narrative and performance into a cohesive and moving experience.

Together, these celebrated artists from diverse disciplines crafted a bold new vision of The Golden Cockerel—one that redefined classical performance by blending opera, poetry, and music into a singular, unforgettable theatrical experience.

Cast: