On April 8, the Hvorostovsky Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre will present one of the most popular operas of the world - Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. The audience could see this performance on the Krasnoyarsk stage long ago - in the 42nd season in November 2019.

Back then, almost three years ago, Honoured Figure of Culture of the Krasnoyarsk Region Anna Kiseliova (as Toska), Honoured Artist of Buryatia Mikhail Pirogov (as Cavaradossi), People's Artist of Russia Vladimir Efimov (as Baron Scarpia) performed the leading roles. The same top-class cast will also take the stage of the Krasnoyarsk Opera and Ballet Theatre on April 8, 2022.

For Anna Kiseleva, Floria Tosca is her favourite role.

“When I studied in a music school, my grandmother gave me a book about the famous opera singer Hariclea Darclée. She was the first Tosca, Puccini created this opera for her. At her request, he wrote an aria for the second act, when Tosca expresses her feelings; initially, it wasn’t in the score. As described in the book, the composer's opponents were determined to skewer Puccini’s new work at the pre-premier run because the first act failed. But Hariclea Darclée saved this beautiful work with her voice, her skills. I was 17 years old, and the book really made my brain reel. Later I found out that there was a contest named after this singer in Romania; I went there, became its laureate. In general, I love this country very much, I have been there five times. Such a thread connects me with Tosca,” - Anna Kiseliova said.

Mikhail Pirogov, now a soloist of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, is still the favourite of the Krasnoyarsk audience. His performing of Mario Cavaradossi will be his first appearance on the stage of the Hvorostovsky Opera House in the 44th season.

For Vladimir Efimov, the part of the villain Scarpia is truly iconic and beloved. After all, his hundredth Tosca and his hundredth appearance in this role will take place on April 8, 2022, when Vladimir Viktorovich will present his outstanding vocal and acting skills to the audience.