(Credit: Guergana Damianova / OnP)

This week the Opéra de Paris will open a new production of “Eugene Onegin” with a cast of rising stars. It will also mark the operatic debut of famed actor Ralph Fiennes, who will direct the Tchaikovsky work. It will also mark his Paris Opera debut.

Fiennes’s first experience with the famed Pushkin work was in a 1999 film version when he played the title. For that performance Fiennes received rave reviews for his interpretation with critics stating it is “refreshing to see the actor work his way into romantic longing instead of existing there from the get-go.”

For the past 26 years the actor has starred in many important films including the Oscar winners “The English Patient,” “Schindler’s List,” “Conclave,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” The Hurt Locker,” and “The Constant Gardner.” He also been nominated for three Academy Awards as well as seven BAFTA Awards. The actor has also even directed three films including “The White Crow” about famed ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. 

Regarding his new role as an opera director, Fiennes said, “the experiences of opera that have moved the most is when I have felt deeply touched and moved and taken out of my world by the emotions and the force of music and emotion.” He also noted that he has always felt a connection with Onegin.

For those not in Paris to see the work the production, the work will be broadcast France.tv and Paris Opera Play.

A Closer Look 

Here is a look at Fiennes speaking about the opera:

Here is a look at the trailer to the film: