Recorded live in Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam, on 25th & 28th June 2006.

Eva-Maria Westbroek
Christopher Ventris
Carole Wilson
Vladimir Vaneev
Lani Poulson
Ludovít Ludha
Alexandre Kravets

Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Mariss Jansons (musical director)
Martin Kušej (stage director)

Note: This Blu-ray Disc (BD) is not compatible with standard DVD players

Shostakovich’s musically brilliant and ingeniously panoramic opera about love, lust, power and oppression is fabulously performed by the Concertgebouw Orchestra under Mariss Jansons in this authoritative production. Stage director Martin Kušej builds on formidable musical strengths to forge a relentless drama that explores with emotional conviction the shadowy, layered boundaries between victims and perpetrators. First-rate protagonist Eva-Maria Westbroek is phenomenal in her gripping interpretation of Katarina, compelling the entire cast, including the choir, to almost unbearable realism in their portrayal of timeless human weaknesses.

‘With one of the finest orchestras in the world conducted by an eminent Shostakovich conductor, supported by superb soloists and a very tasteful stage setting… [Eva-Maria Westbroek’s] portrayal of the heroine is absolutely superb…the passions and emotions raised by the composer are superbly realised… The soloists and chorus are all superb.’ Music Web International


Bonus material:

Illustrated synopsis & cast gallery.

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk - The Tragedy of Katerina Ismailova - A documentary film by Reiner E. Moritz, including interviews with Martin Kušej, Mariss Jansons and leading members of the cast.