Stravinsky’s L’Histoire Du Soldat at the Main Hall

03 January 2024

In accordance with the efforts of the Ministry of Culture to highlight world’s most famous classical musical works, the Cairo Opera House, under the supervision of Dr. Khalid Dagher, presents a concert by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Mohamed Saad Basha at the Main Hall on Saturday, 6 January 2024 at 8 p.m.
The performance features the theatrical work “L’Histoire Du Soldat” (A Tale of a Soldier) by the renowned Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, with text by Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz, translated by Dr. Hanaa Farid, and stage design by Mohamed Abdel Razik.
Based on a Russian folktale, “L’Histoire Du Soldat” tells the story of a soldier who meets the Devil on his way home from the army. A series of events unfold as the Devil attempts to persuade the soldier to trade his old violin (symbolizing the soldier’s soul) in return for a magic book that has the secret to eternal wealth.
The musical score is performed by a chamber orchestra comprising seven musicians: Fabian Hugeli (clarinet), Anatoli Kisselev (bassoon), Walid Gabr (trumpet), Zafar Azimov (trombone), Toqa Ali (percussion), Laura Virtanen (violin), and Ahmed Osama (double bass).
Directed by Abdalla Saad and choreographed by Monadel Antar, the roles are featured by Rasha El Wakil, Ahmed Mohamed (the Devil), Mohamed Abdel Aziz (the Soldier), and Dr. Mohammed Abdel Moaty (the Narrator).
“L’Histoire Du Soldat,” written by Stravinsky in 1918, draws inspiration from Russian folklore, blending various musical styles including folk, classical, tango, and jazz, alongside theatrical elements like ballet and drama. Critics considered it an unusual and unconventional artistic piece when it premiered in the same year.