The Bear
The Bear (1967), by the English composer Sir William Walton, is a chamber opera in one act with only three solo singers, no chorus, and a chamber orchestra with a small string ensemble. Based on the eponymous play by Anton Čechov, the light-hearted story is set in the Russian countryside, in the drawing room of Madame Popova. The bright and at times humorous tone is amplified by Walton’s extensive use of quotations and parodies, particularly from Stravinsky and Britten.
Extravaganza in One Act
Libretto by Paul Dehn and William Walton
based on the eponymous play by Anton Čechov
Original English language edition
First performance in Turin
Music by William Walton
Marco Alibrando conductor
Directed by Paolo Vettori
Set Design by Claudia Boasso
Costume Design by Laura Viglione
Lighting by Gianni Bertoli
Orchestra Teatro Regio Torino
New production by Teatro Regio Torino
Characters and Cast
Jelena Ivanovna Popova mezzo-soprano Siphokazi Molteno*
Grigorij Stepanovič Smirnov baritone Janusz Nosek*
Luka bass Tyler Zimmerman*
*Regio Ensemble Artist
Recommended age group: 13 years and up