Review: The Snow Maiden at RNCM is ‘spellbinding, stunning and magical’

In a breathtaking and enchanting performance at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on a wintry Sunday evening, Rimsky-Korsakov‘s timeless masterpiece, “The Snow Maiden,” unfolded with magical invitation.

The Plot of The Snow Maiden

The Snow Maiden,” composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, is based on a Russian fairy tale and stands as one of the composer’s most renowned works.

Rimsky-Korsakov completed the opera in 1881, and it premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg in 1882.

The libretto, written by the composer himself, draws inspiration from the play of the same name by Alexander Ostrovsky, which is, in turn, based on Russian folktales.

The opera is set in a fantastical world of Slavic folklore, telling the story of the Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, who is the daughter of Father Frost (Ded Moroz) and Spring (Vesna).

Snegurochka is a being of ice and snow, and her tale revolves around her desire to experience the warmth and emotions of mortal life.

Director Jack Furness

Director Jack Furness, along with the creative team, transported the audience into the icy world of Father Frost and Mother Spring, where the mythical Snow Maiden, portrayed with grace and poignancy by Jessica Hopkins, longs to break free from her otherworldly origins and embrace the warmth of mortal existence.

Hopkins imbued the character with a captivating blend of innocence and curiosity, making her transformational journey truly mesmerising.

An Exceptional Cast

The exceptional student cast, led by Hopkins as the Snow Maiden, delivered performances of remarkable skill and emotional resonance.

Olivia Swain as Mother Spring and Adam Jarman as Father Frost brought a regal and commanding presence, while the supporting characters, each portrayed with nuance and commitment, added depth to the unfolding drama.

The chorus, under the guidance of Kevin Thraves, displayed impeccable vocal prowess, adding a layer of grandeur to the production with rousing choruses that echoed through the hall, captivating the audience and underscoring the monumental consequences of the Snow Maiden’s journey.

Choreographer Bethan Rhys Wiliam’s work brought a dynamic and visually stunning element to the production, seamlessly integrating dance into the narrative and enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

Matthew Kofi Waldren’s Conducting

Under the baton of the brilliant Matthew Kofi Waldren, the Red Cast cast a spellbinding tale of love, sacrifice, and human fragility.

From the very first note, the RNCM’s orchestral prowess, guided by Waldren’s masterful conducting, set the stage for a journey into a realm of mystique and wonder.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s delicate moments of intimacy and soaring romantic melodies were brought to life with exceptional skill, capturing the essence of this rare operatic gem.

A Rare Operatic Gem

The opera explores themes of love, transformation, and the delicate balance between the supernatural and mortal realms.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s musical language in “The Snow Maiden” reflects the influence of Russian folk traditions, and the opera is characterised by its lush orchestrations, expressive vocal writing, and vivid storytelling.

Georgia de Grey Set Design

The stage design by Georgia de Grey was a visual feast, seamlessly transitioning between the ethereal frost-kissed landscapes and the vibrant village scenes.

Ben Ormerod’s lighting design enhanced the magical ambience, creating a captivating play of shadows and hues that mirrored the emotional depth of the narrative.

As the final notes resonated through the hall, it was evident that the RNCM’s production of “The Snow Maiden” had not just staged an opera but had conjured a transcendent experience.

This was a performance that ignited the imagination, awakened the senses, and left the audience spellbound in a world of magic and music.

The RNCM’s rendition of Rimsky-Korsakov’s masterpiece was a triumph, a testament to the talent and dedication of its students and the visionary artistic direction that brought this wintry tale to life with unparalleled beauty and grace.

You can get tickets to this incredible production by clicking here

Tickets:
£14 (Under 26s and Students) + £1 Booking Fee
£26.50 (Full) + £1 Booking Fee