The performance history of Tchaikovsky's Maid Of Orleans is spotty at best. Initially rejected by Russian audiences as a mere derivative of Meyerbeer's grand operas, Tchaikovsky's opera struggled to find an audience in its early life; nevertheless, Tchaikovsky's early score has gained admirers in the years following, especially for its daunting title role that has attracted singers from Irina Arkhipova to Mirella Freni. Tune in to Saturday Night At The Opera to hear an early 1946 performance with the Kirov Theatre Orchestra & Chorus. Stepan Atamian hosts.