Alexander Glazunov
“Raymonda”
29.10.2022 – 8 pm

Conductor: Bisera Chadlovska
Choreographer: Viktor Yaremenko (Ukraine)
Scenographer: Andrey Zlobin (Ukraine)
Costume designer: Gana Ipatieva (Ukraine)
Tutors: Goran Bozhinov, Aleksandra Mijalkova, Biljana Pasharikovska, Natasha Josifovska, Olga Pango and Dafina Daniloska-Kochevska
Concert master: Verica Lambevska

Performing:
Raymonda: Marija Kichevska Shokarovska
Jean de Brien: Balazs Lochei (Hungary)
Abdurakhman: Vasil Chichiashvili (Georgia)

Raimonda” is a ballet in two acts. The world premiere was held at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg in January, 1898. The libretto for the ballet “Raymonda” is based on the typical dramaturgy that marks the time of Romanticism. In the dramas (stories) of this artistic direction, themes of heroism, nobility, love, dignity, honor, etc. dominate. In “Raymonda” it is the White Lady with her White Shawl, otherwise the patroness of the noble family of the young Countess Raymonda de Doris. She is “always” there to save the honor of the aristocrats. The dilemma of the young Countess Raymonda, who to choose as a spouse, the famous noble knight Jean de Brienne, or the proud and power-loving Saracen hero Abderrahman, the White Lady, is resolved in favor of de Brienne.

INTRODUCTION

The mysterious White Lady, patron of the famous family of the young Countess Raymonda de Doris, appears above the ancient family castle illuminated by the moonlight. It tells a medieval chivalric legend that glorifies nobility, love and devotion to duty.

ACT I

In the castle, friends congratulate Raymonda on her birthday. The famous knight Jean de Brienne came to greet Raymonda and say goodbye before a military campaign. Countess Sybilla gives her niece her wedding dress and brings her to Jean de Brienne. He declares his love to Raymonda and gives her a white scarf. King Andrew I of Hungary appears with an entourage. He blesses the knights who, led by Jean de Brienne, go on a campaign. Countess Sybilla and Raymonda send them away. Raymonda is sad. The white scarf reminds the girl of Jean de Brienne and his love. Suddenly, Saracen knight Abderrahman enters the hall, who heard about Raymonda’s beauty and falls in love with Raymonda at first sight and declares his love for her. Abderrahman gives Raimonda a red scarf and disappears. Confused Raymonda turns to Countess Sybilla for advice. Sibylla calms the distraught Raymonda, but her heart is full of restlessness. Above the castle shrouded in darkness, the White Lady appears. Raymonda gets up as if enchanted and hands the two shawls to the White Lady, demanding an answer as to which of the two knights should be her chosen one. “The one who chooses your heart” – answered the patroness. The White Lady takes Raymonda to a world of magical dreams. Raymonda sees Jean de Brienne surrounded by young girls. She rushes to him, but he is restrained and overwhelming in his feelings for her. The White Lady waves her red scarf. Abderrahman appears before Raymonda. Their duet is full of passion. The White Lady waves her white scarf. The vision disappears. The first rays of the sun wake up Raymonda. Countess Sybilla, hugs and soothes her niece who is disturbed by the dream.

ACT II

Ceremonial hall in the castle. Celebration in honor of the victory of Jean de Brienne. Music announces someone’s arrival. Raymonda rushes to the door, but a guest she did not expect appears in front of her – Abderrahman. Countess Sybilla invites the Saracen knight to enter with his numerous entourage. Paying no attention to anyone, Abderrahman offers Raymonda his hand and heart. She is confused. On the one hand – indecisiveness – on the other, persistence of the beautiful Saracen, who promises a luxurious life full of pleasures. Abderrahman wraps the girl with the red scarf and tries to carry her with him. Jean de Brienne and King Andrew I appear with the knights who have just returned from the campaign. A clash flares up between the Saracens and the knights. The king stops the clash and demands that Jean and Abderrahman settle the dispute in a duel. At the moment when Jean loses the duel, the White Lady unexpectedly appears and restores Jean’s strength. He delivers a death blow to the opponent. Distraught, Raymonda runs to Abderrahman. Stunned, Jean offers his hand to the bride, but she pulls away from him. The White Lady wraps the girl’s shoulders with a white scarf, and Raimonda immediately forgets Abderrahman. The king joins the hands of the lovers. Countess Sibylla and King Andrew greet the guests at the wedding of Raymonda and Jean de Brienne, whose love has gone through difficult trials. The White Lady appears above the castle.