The original interpretation by stage director Dmitri Tcherniakov, who transformed the Russian folktale into a coping mechanism for a boy with autism after his parents’ divorce, was an immense success notably thanks to its playful but all the while impressive animations. The ceremony of these most prestigious accolades in the world of opera was originally planned for May 2020, but had to be postponed for reasons well known. The gala was still held as a virtual event this year, and director Dmitri Tcherniakov accepted the award via videoconference.

Tcherniakov will return to La Monnaie in the 2021-22 season already. Opening night for his production of Bizets Carmen will be on January 23, 2022. The award-winning production of The Tale of Tsar Saltan will return to our stage in 2023.