This production of one of the greatest Russian operas was a turning point for Seattle Opera on many counts. George Fiore, chorus master since La forza del destino in 1984, retired after preparing the chorus for this mighty score; Chris Alexander made his debut as director, teaming for the first time with set designer Robert Dahlstrom; and bass Alexander Anisimov won Seattle Opera’s Artist of the Year Award for his portrayal of the doomed tsar. Tenors Peter Kazaras, Tom Harper, and Doug Jones contributed powerful performances in supporting roles, as did basses Kevin Langan and Arthur Woodley.