You have a wonderful opportunity to see one of the brightest gems of Ukrainian opera art — Mykola Lysenko's opera "Natalka Poltavka" — on the stage of the National Opera of Ukraine on August 15, 2026, at 15:00. This is a light, humorous love story in two acts performed in Ukrainian, so you will understand every word without subtitles, and the folk dances and songs will create the atmosphere of a real Poltava village. The performance lasts exactly two hours — from 15:00 to 17:00, and this daytime show is especially suitable for those who want to enjoy the classics in a calm, sunny time.
About the Event
"Natalka Poltavka" is a magnificent classical opera in two acts written by Mykola Lysenko based on the libretto by Ivan Kotliarevskyi, and this production has long been part of the repertoire of the Kyiv opera since its premiere on July 5, 2012. The performance is entirely in Ukrainian, making it accessible to every viewer, regardless of their experience in opera art. The musical editing of the work was done by Myroslav Skoryk, and the staging by Anatoliy Solovyanenko, ensuring authenticity and modern stage clarity. It is one of the most popular Ukrainian operas that the National Opera of Ukraine regularly includes in its program, particularly in July and August 2026.
Plot and Mood
The story unfolds in a charming Poltava village on the banks of the Vorskla River, where a poor widow Terpylyha lives with her beautiful daughter Natalka. Natalka loves Petro, who went to earn money to return with funds and marry the girl, but his return is delayed, and Natalka is sad. Unexpectedly, Voznyi — a nobleman serving in the court — appears and confesses his love to Natalka, trying to entice her with his wealth. The girl pretends not to understand his chatter to avoid offending the aging suitor, but deep down, she remains faithful to Petro. The emotional tone of the performance is light, humorous, with elements of folklore, dances, and sincere love, making it ideal for viewers seeking a bright, positive event.
Key scenes of the performance include:
- Natalka's sorrow for Petro near the beautiful cottage.
- The appearance of Voznyi and his confession of love.
- The revival of hope for Petro's return and the final resolution of the story.
Production
The opera's production was directed by Anatoliy Solovyanenko, with Myroslav Skoryk as the conductor and Bohdan Plish as the choirmaster, ensuring high musical and stage culture of the performance. The visual style of the work was developed by artist Mykhailo Ryndzak and costume designer Natalia Kucherya, who conveyed the authentic Poltava color through details of the interior and clothing. The choreographer was Aniko Rekhviashvili, who added lively folk dances to the performance. In the upcoming show on August 15, 2026, Natalka will be performed by Tamara Kalinkina, and Voznyi by Ruslan Tanskyi, ensuring strong acting support for the main roles. The orchestra and choir of the National Opera of Ukraine, under the direction of conductors Mykola Diadiura and Bohdan Plish, create the musical foundation of the performance.
How to Get There, Duration, and Intermissions
The theater is located in the center of Kyiv at Volodymyrska Street, 50, with the nearest metro stations being "Teatralna" or "Khreshchatyk," so you can easily reach the venue even on foot from the center. The performance lasts two hours without an intermission, as it will be performed this way on March 14, 2026, and this practice is likely to remain for all performances. This means you can fully immerse yourself in the story without breaks, and after it concludes at 17:00, you can freely go for dinner or a walk around Kyiv.
Prices and Who It's For
Tickets for opera performances at the National Opera of Ukraine usually start from a few hundred hryvnias, and the exact prices for the specific show on August 15 can be found on the official theater website or at online ticket offices. This performance is perfect for a date, family evening, or gathering with friends, as the light plot, humor, and folklore elements will not bore even newcomers. If you love Ukrainian classics, folklore, or just want to hear a live opera voice in the center of Kyiv — this is your choice.
Tips for the Audience
Arrive at the theater 15–20 minutes before the start to quietly find your seat and enjoy the atmosphere before the performance. The dress code at the opera is not strict, but it’s worth looking neat and stylish — it adds a special mood to the event. During the intermission (if there is one), you can stroll through the theater foyer, look at the exhibitions, or simply chat with other viewers, but remember that this show is performed without an intermission.
Would you prefer the daytime show at 15:00 for a calm, sunny mood, or would you like the evening show with dinner after the performance?
