The premiere of 'Iolanta' took place on March 24, 2025, after a 125-year absence from the Vienna State Opera's repertoire.

The Vienna State Opera is set to debut a new production of Tchaikovsky's opera 'Iolanta', directed by Evgeny Titov and conducted by Tugan Sokhiev.

This marks the first time both Titov and Sokhiev have worked at the Vienna State Opera, with Titov bringing his extensive experience from various European operas.

The opera tells the poignant story of Iolanta, a blind princess, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, love, and the hope of regaining her sight.

Sonya Yoncheva stars in the title role, marking her first performance at the state opera after successful runs at the Metropolitan Opera and Paris Opera.

The cast also features notable performers including Ivo Stanchev, Boris Pinkhasovich, Dmytro Popov, and others, enriching the production with their talents.

Originally staged in 1900 under the baton of Gustav Mahler, 'Iolanta' had a brief run of only nine performances before fading from the opera scene.

Following the premiere, the performance will be broadcast live on ORF III on April 6, 2025, and will also be available on Radio Ö1.

Ella Gallieni will direct the live broadcast, with Barbara Rett serving as the moderator, ensuring a polished presentation for audiences.

The production delves into themes of vision and perception, with Titov emphasizing the emotional impact of seeing and understanding the world around us.

Tugan Sokhiev, an acclaimed conductor with a history of collaboration with prestigious orchestras, will lead the Wiener Staatsoper orchestra for this production.

Additionally, the production will be available for streaming on the Vienna State Opera's website, allowing a wider audience to experience this significant revival.