November 27 in Arnhem, November 29 in London (2026)
Information
British-Russian composer Elena Langer satirizes and questions our obsession with fame, and she shows how we must embrace life in all its chaos, horror, joy, and beauty. Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater in Moscow, this opera was canceled following the invasion of Ukraine. The work was deemed not patriotic enough. De Reisopera is proud to present the world premiere of this exceptional new opera.
The Story
The existential angst of the main character, Semyon Podsekayev, drives him to suicide, but he hopes that playing the tuba will be his salvation. This fails miserably. At that very moment, several characters appear who want to exploit Semyon’s potential suicide for their own gain. One of these figures is a TV host, Ivan Vane. In the second act, we see the reality show “The Naked Truth,” in which Semyon’s desire to commit suicide—and everyone’s desire to profit financially from it—becomes a public spectacle.
Elena Langer
Elena Langer is a prolific composer of colorful, dramatic, and often humorous music, known to audiences throughout Europe and America for her operas, vocal works, and orchestral pieces. Her 2016 hit for the Welsh National Opera, *Figaro Gets a Divorce*, was described in the *Daily Telegraph* as “that rare thing: a modern opera that has an immediate emotional impact.”
Fall 2026: Arnhem and London!
Following a successful Dutch tour in the spring of 2026, Elena Langer’s entertaining, melodious, and moving new tragicomedy, *To Die For [A Comedy]*, will also be performed in the fall of 2026.
On Friday, November 27, a concert performance will take place at Musis in Arnhem.
On Sunday, November 29, we will perform the opera with the original cast at the Coliseum in London, at the invitation of English National Opera.
For more information and tickets, visit: Reisopera