Mariinsky Theater
Mariinsky Theatre is the largest musical theater in Russia, a true symbol of Russian culture. The theater’s ballet company is one of the oldest in the country and has played a crucial role in the development of Russian choreographic art. Its opera company has also gained fame throughout the world. To this day the Mariinsky Theatre is a huge, magically appealing space and a unique atmosphere, a special world with its own laws, amazing productions, the glitter of world stars, high-profile premieres and unforgettable events.
General information
The building of the theater, built in 1860 by architect Cavos, is one of the most beautiful not only in Russia, but also in the world. The magnificent decoration of the auditorium has largely survived to this day. The soft glow of gilding, the blue tone of upholstery and draperies, the opulent royal box and a huge crystal chandelier – this is the unique flavor of this most lyrical theater hall in Europe. The magnificent curtain, which has become the emblem of the Mariinsky Theatre, was created in 1914 to sketches by the outstanding theater artist Alexander Golovin.
.
At its creation, the theater was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II. In 1935 it was renamed the Kirov Theater, after the perestroika it was returned to the Mariinsky name. The artistic director of the theater is one of the world’s best conductors, Valery Gergiev..
The stage of this theater remembers such illustrious choreographers and dancers as Nijinsky, Pavlova, Karsavina, Petipa, Nureyev, Baryshnikov, Dudinskaya, Chaliapin and Sobinov sang here. The theater is unique in terms of preserving ballet heritage. For example, the performance “Giselle” has been performed here since 1842. To this day one can still enjoy such masterpieces of choreographic art as the ballet “Swan Lake” of 1890. In the same 1890 the premiere of Tchaikovsky’s “Queen of Spades” – “the most St. Petersburg opera”, according to one of the critics – took place here. Glazunov’s ballet Raymonda has been performed more than 370 times since its first performance in 1898.
.
Not so long ago, the new Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre opened on the site of the former Decorating Shop (37 Dekabristov Street), which seats 1,100 people. It hosts symphony concerts by the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra and touring ensembles. The second stage of the Mariinsky Theater is currently open.
.Visitors
- Address: Teatralnaya Ploshchad, 1. Sadovaya and Sennaya Ploshchad metro stations. Concert Hall – 37 Dekabristov St. .
- Tel: 326-41-41 (answering machine). .
- The box office is open daily from 11.00 to 19.00. .
- The cost of tickets – 400-7000 p. Russian citizens have a discount on tickets special rate.
