'Iolanta' ? the last opera composed by Tchaikovsky ? will premiere in Cape Town on 30 July at Artscape Opera House. Among the composer's works, few are composed with such care and elegance.

The libretto for 'Iolanta' was written by the composer's brother Modest Tchaikovsky and is based on the Danish play 'King Rene's Daughter' by Henrik Hertz.

Iolanta, the daughter of King Rene has been blind from birth, but no one has ever told her. In a beautiful garden on the king's estate, her friends bring flowers and sing to her.

After announcing the king's arrival, Almeric is warned by Bertrand not to speak of light with Iolanta or to reveal that Iolanta's father is the king. She is betrothed to Robert, who is also unaware of her misfortune. The king arrives with a physician who states Iolanta can be cured, but only if she is told and desires to see. The king refuses the treatment, fearing for Iolanta's happiness.

Wishing to avoid the marriage, Robert and Vaudemont escape to the garden where they encounter Iolanta. Robert, convinced she is a sorceress, leaves to prepare his troops. Vaudemont stays and discovers her blindness. They fall in love, after he explains light and colour to her.

The couple is discovered. Vaudemont pledges his love, whether Iolanta is blind or not. The king threatens to kill Vaudemont if the physician's treatment fails. Robert returns, having fallen in love with another. The king cancels the wedding contract, and gives Iolanta to Vaudemont. The treatment works and Iolanta can see!

The second part of the programme consists of arias and extracts from Tchaikovsky?s opera, 'Eugene Onegin'. It is sung in Russian with English subtitles.

The works will be performed by 65 Opera and Orchestra members of the Ekaterinburg State Academic Theatre, one of the oldest and most known theatres of Russia. This theatre known for traditional and classical productions, was opened in 1912.

This production is presented by Edouard Miasnikov Agency and sponsored by Norilsk Nickel International. Performances are at Artscape Theatre, 30 and 31 July and 1 to 3 August. Ticket prices are R140, R191, R242, R303. Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695.