One glorious night in Edinburgh brings you extracts from three of Tchaikovsky’s greatest operas, performed by the full forces of The Orchestra of Scottish Opera under Music Director Stuart Stratford and a cohort of all-star soloists.

The Nutcracker might get top billing come wintertime, but did you know that Iolanta – Tchaikovsky’s final opera – was commissioned by the Imperial Court for their Christmas entertainment that same year? Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes is the perfect chance to discover this enchanting fairy tale opera alongside the romantic, historical epic The Maid of Orleans and the composer’s masterpiece Eugene Onegin, based on Pushkin’s beloved novel.
All three operas centre around complex and richly drawn heroines on journeys of discovery: saving their country, discovering the world, or learning – all too painfully – that first love and first heartbreak often go hand in hand.

Bringing these characters to life are soloists Lauren Fagan (Ainadamar 2022), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Don Pasquale 2024), Daniel Barrett (L’heure espagnole / The Bear 2025), and Natalia Kutateladze and Robert Lewis making their Company debuts. On the podium, Stuart Stratford brings his long affection and affinity for Russian music to this exploration of Tchaikovsky’s lush scores, showing the influence of French and German opera composers as well as his own national traditions.

A sweeping night of passion, power, and impossible choice, Tchaikovsky’s Heroines & Heroes promises a perfect night out this December.

Proudly supported by The Scottish Opera Endowment Trust and Friends of Scottish Opera
Part of Scottish Opera's 2025/26 Season