DVD + Blu-Ray:
The Gambler

Salzburg Festival presents Prokofiev's The Gambler, a production that shines thanks to the exceptional Asmik Grigorian and Sean Panikkar.

Based on a short novel by Dostoyevsky, Prokofiev's The Gambler unfolds in the fictional casino town of Roulettenburg, where a variety of characters converge and clash. These characters include a General indebted to a covetous Marquis, the General's resentful stepdaughter Polina, and Alexey, who harbours feelings for her. Director Peter Sellars, known for his insightful interpretations of overlooked masterpieces, challenges us to mirror the bravery of Dostoyevsky and Prokofiev – the courage to confront our inner darkness.

The musical direction of Russian conductor Timur Zangiev shines together with the vocal performances of the exceptional cast: "Asmik Grigorian portraying a passionate Polina, and Sean Panikkar delivering a powerful performance as Alexei" (Financial Times); “Peter Sellars...has done what this exceptional director always tries to do: present an old, distant story as an analysis of the here and now” (Süddeutsche Zeitung); “A triumph of vision and passion” (European News Agency); “Grand sound cinema” (Bachtrack)

Genre Opera
Composer Sergei Prokofiev
Soloist Asmik Grigorian, Sean Panikkar, Violeta Urmana, Peixin Chen, Juan Francisco Gatell, Nicole Chirka
Orchestra / Band Wiener Philharmoniker
Choir Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
Conductor Tibur Zangiev
Stage Director Peter Sellars
Recording location Salzburg Festival, Felsenreitschule, August 2024
Production Company A production of ORF, NHK, UNITEL in co-production with 3Sat in cooperation with Wiener Philharmoniker and Salzburg Festival
Duration 132 mins