Description
A song born of pure, fatal obsession. In 1843, the Ukrainian poet Yevhen Hrebinka penned these words after being completely mesmerized by the piercing, dark eyes of his neighbor's daughter, Maria. What he felt was a dangerous mix of deep infatuation and an ominous fear that her eyes would consume his very soul. Though he eventually married her, the poem's burning intensity lived on.
What began as an intimate confession of passionate love was later set to a melody adapted from a waltz by German composer Florian Hermann. However, it was the legendary Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin who truly immortalized the song. By adding his own dramatic verses and infusing the performance with a fiery, dark, and almost demonic energy, he elevated it into the world-famous, ultimate Russian romance we know today.
Experience the magnificent "Dark Eyes" (Ochi Chernye), brought to life in a breathtaking cinematic 4K production by three renowned operatic divas, accompanied by the Amadeo String Orchestra under the baton of the internationally awarded conductor Tilen Draksler.
✨ THE DIVAS:
Mojca Bitenc - Križaj (Soprano) – A celebrated soloist of the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, whose incredible journey saw her trade a medical degree for the grand operatic stages. After graduating summa cum laude and winning the prestigious Prešeren Student Award, she has mesmerized audiences worldwide. Her spectacular career includes performances with legendary ensembles like the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and unforgettable appearances at the renowned Bregenz Festival before 7,000 spectators.
Nika Gorič (Soprano) – An internationally acclaimed soprano and recipient of "The Queen's Commendation for Excellence" at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Her repertoire spans from the world's most prestigious concert halls, like the Berliner Philharmonie and Sydney Opera House, to title roles in major opera houses.
Nuška Drašček (Mezzo-Soprano) – Principal soloist of the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana and recipient of the Prešeren Fund Award (2024). She is one of the most versatile vocalists, mastering demanding operatic roles as well as top-tier chansons with remarkable stage charisma.
🎻 THE ORCHESTRA:
Amadeo String Orchestra & Tilen Draksler (Conductor) – Founded in 2013, the Amadeo String Orchestra gathers top-tier musicians, including graduates of leading European academies and members of prominent national orchestras. Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed conductor Tilen Draksler, the orchestra brings an exceptional depth and emotional resonance to this cinematic performance.
🎬 PRODUCTION & CREW:
Director & Producer: Primož Zevnik (@zevnikov)
Producers: Gal Nagode, Juš Hrastnik
Production Assistant: Janez Draksler
Productions: PPZ & TAJUS
Music & Audio:
Conductor & Musical Direction: Tilen Draksler
Arrangement: Tilen Slakan
Amadeo String Orchestra: Aleksandar Vojneski, Bruna Šestić, Katarina Viher, Klavdija Novšak, Kristian Ilić, Leon Cesarec, Manica Slapšak, Metka Udovč, Neža Homšak, Nuša Rejc, Sandi Baitokova, Serhii Zhuravlov, Urban Čefarin, Žiga Faganel, Živa Grmovšek
Sound Design & Mastering: Boris Rener, Danilo Ženko, Iztok Zupan — Studio Klopotec
Camera & Lighting (Shot on BRAW with Filmbox D50):
Camera Operators: Jan Eržen, Maj Vreš, Tevž Smolnikar & TAJUS Production Camera Operators
Dolly Operator: Aljaž Žavrlan
Remote Camera Operator: Gašper Gorenak
Lighting Rental: Event Lighting
Lighting Gear: Arri & BMFL
Art Department & Stage:
Spatial / Set Design: Tatjana Kortnik
Set Design Assistant: Ilija Furst
Stage Rigging / Structures: Rok Zavrl - STRC
Technical Crew:
EGSŠ Technical Crew Leads: Matija Repinc, Urban Zupan
EGSŠ Technical Crew: Dan Novak, David Klobučar, Jakob Komovec, Maja Avsenek, Oskar Valant, Aljaž Korošec, Cene Pajntar, Gal Bevc, Jaka Porenta, Jurij Komelj, Lara Vilman, Maj Mihalič, Nik Čeh, Tadej Poklukar, Zala Črv, Žan Boštic, Zarja Manevski, Benjamin Avsec, Elena Šmitran, Ema Vrhunc, Žiga Juratovec, Jaka Strupi, Jon Osenjak, Tor Žerjav, Anabela Pogačnik, Svit Vodnjov
Gimnazija Kranj Technical Crew: Mak Detela, Luka Bavdaž, Ana Grgić, Anja Gale
Power Generator: MB grip
Catering:
Catering: Ga-tering - Gašper Hočevar
🙏 Special thanks to Father Damjan Ristič, rector of the Jesuit community of St. Joseph, for his generous help and goodwill.
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