The State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia named after E.F. Svetlanov

Conductor - Alexander Polishchuk

Consolidated Choir:

Chamber Choir of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory

Artistic Director - Alexander Solovyov

Choirmaster - Taras Yasenkov

Tula State Choir

Artistic Director - Alexander Solovyov

Chief Conductor - Alexei Zaitsev

Choir of the students of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music

Artistic Director - Vladimir Krasov

Chief Choir Master of the consolidated choir - Alexander Solovyov

Responsible Accompanist - Anatoly Kuznetsov

Characters:

Gayatri, Son of the Sun - Boris Stepanov

Elena, Warrior Girl - Evgenia Muravyova

Antonius, Young Man - Gleb Perzyev

Nicolaus, Chief Elder - Anton Perminov

David - Oleg Losev

Alexander - Yuri Borschyov

Philarit - Daniil Paderin

Paul - Artem Savchenko

Harvey, Gang Leader and Elena's Brother - Alexey Makschantsyev

Bartender - Gordey Miroshnikov

First Criminal - Valentin Beletsky

Second Criminal - Alexey Komarov

Messenger - Fyodor Avdienko

Refugee - Maria Chelmakina

Mother - Lyubov Lapekhina

First Refugee - Taras Yasenkov

Second Refugee - Dmitry Golyakov

Written in the spirit of ancient mysteries, the philosophical treatise by N. Roerich about the struggle of knowledge and ignorance for the culture of planetary scale was set to music by Alexander Tchaikovsky. The composer strengthened the lyrical component of the play, creating a unique work that reflects the unwavering faith of the great humanist in the triumph of reason and light. Alexander Vladimirovich admitted that the work was challenging but incredibly interesting, and the text of "Mercy" made a stunning impression on him.

"Roerich's play is very dramatic; it is about war, about the philosophical problems of the world. Essentially, it is a parable-epic that is particularly relevant in connection with today's events. We created the libretto together with Nikolay Denisov based on the play. For the musical theater, it was necessary to add a lyrical intrigue and female parts, as opera cannot exist without a female voice. We embedded a love story in Roerich's complex text. From the perspective of compositional techniques, the opera uses many expressive means: combining electronic music techniques with atonal, traditional, and even rock music," says Alexander Tchaikovsky. "Victory over darkness in the battle for justice, peace, culture, the light of knowledge, and true values, the powerful leap of humanity into a new life is impossible without the highest guidance, without the hero and king of the spirit sent by heaven. It is he who carries salvation, victory, stern justice, and the highest mercy for the sake of the future. This is what Roerich's "Mercy" is about," believes Alexey Bondarenko, director of the St. Petersburg State Museum-Institute of the Roerich Family.

The first performer of the work is the State Academic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mikhail Tatarnikov. "The play was written 100 years ago, but at the same time, it is so relevant now—it is what can lead many people to the light. There hasn't been such a premiere in a long time—it will be a stunning event," believes Mikhail Tatarnikov, conductor and musical director of the "Mercy" project. "To be the inspiration and participant in such a grand project is a great honor and colossal responsibility for the F.E.S. Foundation. In the 150th anniversary year of the outstanding representative of our people, "Mercy" will be a unique example of how through music, a new continuation of Roerich's philosophical thought and secret dream is born," Dmitry Dedukh, general director of the F.E.S. Foundation, the ideological inspirer, and producer of the project, is confident.