The premiere of the musical performance "Adagio for Lovers" took place at the Moscow International House of Music.

It is based on the novel by Irada Berg "Contione - a meeting".

The text of the book was adapted by the writer herself together with actress Maria Mironova.

In Irada Berg's novel, there are two temporary spaces: modern, in which the story takes place in St. Petersburg and Paris, and historical - his characters live in Florence during the Italian Renaissance.

Both stories are connected in one way or another and are dedicated to love, the feeling of spring and art. 

The authors of the production focused on a modern plot.

His heroes are Mark and Diana.

Mark saw a girl at the metro in St. Petersburg and could not pass by.

He offered to see her off, and that's how they met.

Diana loves art, so she knows a lot about it, while Mark, on the contrary, does not understand paintings and artists, but loves physics and mathematics.

But the main thing is that both characters fell in love with each other.

For one of her birthdays, Mark gave Diana a trip that she had long dreamed of - to Florence.

There, the couple enjoyed walks, excursions and art.

Diana, a fan of the work of Sandro Botticelli, was infinitely happy to see his painting "Spring".

Mark also remembered the canvas, because it evoked vivid emotions in his beloved.

After some time, everything changes, and Mark loses the meaning of life.

He falls into a deep depression, from which the psychotherapist Lisa, the painting by Botticelli and art helps him get out.

Excerpts from the novel are heard from the lips of the Honored Artist of Russia Vladimir Vdovichenkov and the People's Artist of Russia Maria Mironova.

The author of the book also appears on the scene.

  • "Adagio for Lovers"

  • © Irina Polyarnaya

This production is not a classical performance.

Artists do not play, but only read, expressing all emotions with facial expressions, gestures and eyes.

The entire stage is occupied by the Russian Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Fabio Mastrangelo, and above the stage there is a large screen with a video sequence corresponding to the development of the story.

Inspiring text combined with live music provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the novel's characters.

The sensations during the performance are similar to listening to an audiobook, and if you close your eyes and just listen, the meaning will not be lost.

Nevertheless, the actors on the stage emotionally and soulfully convey the story of their characters.

Vladimir Vdovichenkov plays Mark, and Maria Mironova gets two female roles - the first part of the performance she speaks on behalf of Diana, a gentle, inspired and loving woman, and after the intermission she becomes a purposeful, lonely, hopeful psychotherapist Lisa.

Playing convincingly on stage without scenery, movement and interaction with a colleague is certainly difficult, but the artists are up to the task.

It is especially interesting to watch Maria Mironova, who makes the audience smile with her, get upset and even cry.

The music program features recognizable works by legendary composers such as Johann Bach, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Georges Bizet, Henry Purcell, Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang Mozart.

Classical music performed by the orchestra enhances the impressions of the story and gives the words of the novel even more depth and sensuality.

"Adagio for Lovers" leaves behind a pleasant aftertaste in the form of a feeling of hope, peace of mind and good mood.

However, some decisions of the authors of the musical production raise questions.

So, for example, the video sequence that is broadcast on the screen is rather scarce.

And despite the fact that he does not play an important role in the performance, I would like to see him more diverse. 

Also, their daughter Polya is cut out of the book love story of Mark and Diana - there is no talk of her in the play.

Perhaps the authors of the production wanted to focus only on two lovers, but having a daughter would make the story even more real and touching.

Such an unusual format as a musical performance may not be to the liking of all viewers, since it is more important here not to watch, but to listen and supplement the story with the help of your imagination.

For small fans of classical music, the Adagio for Lovers may simply get bored due to the lack of active action.

Fans of inspiring novels, books and beautiful music are guaranteed to have a good time and be impressed by the performance.