Репка

About

This children's opera was initiated by Larisa Gergieva, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Academy of Young Opera Singers, who commissioned young composer Rustam Sagdiev to write a work on a Russian theme. The composer’s aim is to introduce children to core operatic forms—overture, aria, duet, and ensemble—in an accessible way while creating a “chrestomathy of Russian folklore.” The score is built on stylized yet recognizable folk songs from across Russia and echoes the folklore-infused traditions of Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev. Directed by Yulia Ruleva, the staging balances vivid contrasts and lively pacing to engage young audiences, while Pyotr Okunev’s design features colorful, imaginative sets and costumes that complement the buoyant music.