Sakha opera «Lookut and Nyurgusun» is shortlisted for Russia's national «Onegin» opera prize

«Lookut and Nyurgusun», a lyrical opera by the Sivtsev-Suorun Omollooun State Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, has been shortlisted in the «Event» category of the 11th National Opera Prize «Onegin». The prize recognises the most notable opera productions of the season. The news was published on 11 November.

The work draws on the Sakha epic tradition, with a novella by Yege Anystyrov as its literary basis. Grant Grigoryan wrote the music and the theatre's chief director Tatyana Savvinova staged it. Nikolay Yefimov sings Lookut and Maria Shaposhnikova sings Nyurgusun. It premiered in summer 2026, and the press calls the story the «Yakut Romeo and Juliet».

The competition drew 12 theatres from 10 Russian regions and 18 soloists, chosen by an expert council from 159 applications. Public voting on the prize website runs until 27 November, and the production with the most votes receives the «Favourite» prize. The ceremony is set for 28 November on the historic stage of the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg.