Details

As the story begins, Prince Alexis has set up his mistress, Stefana, in his St Petersburg palace. Stefana's true love is the young infantry officer Vassili, from whom she has concealed her new aristocratic connection. The unsuspecting Vassili arrives to visit his old nanny, Nikona, before departing for the Crimean War, unaware that she is now his lover's housekeeper. Stefana enters, and she and her lover recognise each other. Then Prince Alexis uncovers the liaison and has Vassili condemned to hard labour in Siberia where Stefana soon follows. During the Easter festivities, Stefana and Vassili seize their chance to escape. The guards see them and open fire. Stefana is hit and dies in her lover's arms.

Creatives/Company

Music: Umberto Giodano
Lyrics: Luigi Illica