Theatres and concerts

St. Petersburg has always been the cultural centre of Russia. St. Petersburg is famous all over the world for its ballet, theatre and musical schools. There are more than 50 theatres, concert halls, the Philharmonic Society, a circus, folklore show groups. Don't miss going to the ballet or opera house as well as the performance of folklore show groups at least once during your stay in St. Petersburg.

The Mariinsky Theatre
(Formerly The Kirov Academic Opera And Ballet Theatre)

It is one of the biggest and oldest music theatres in Russia and is famous all over the world. In 1860 the performance of M. Glinka's opera "Life sacrificed to Tsar" marked its inauguration. The theatre was named after the wife of Alexander II. Operas and ballets written by the great Russian composers were staged in the theatre. Valery Gergiev, one of the best orchestra conductors in the world, is now the Chief Producer of the theatre.

If you go to the opera you will certainly enjoy splendid singing, magnificent costumes and scenery, and a brilliant orchestra. The ballet repertoire consists of Marius Petipa's stage versions of classical Russian ballets like "Swan Lake", "Sleeping Beauty", "Nutcracker" etc.

The Opera And Ballet Theatre Named After M.P. Musorgsky
(The Maly Opera And Ballet Academic Theatre)

The second largest musical theatre in St. Petersburg. The theatre is famous for being the first to stage the works of modern composers. The building that houses the theatre is called Mikhailovsky to honour the brother of Emperor Nicholas I (1833). Works by S. Prokofiev, D. Kabalevsky, D. Shostakovitch, R. Shchedrin were staged for the first time.

Today the current programme includes classics of world opera and ballet: "Swan Lake", "Nutcracker", "Don Quixote", "Boris Godunov", "Romeo and Juliet".

The Hermitage Theatre

The Hermitage Theatre is the oldest theatre in St. Petersburg. It was opened in 1785 as the court theatre for Catherine the Great. All the European and Russian repertoire of the XVIII century was performed on this stage.

After the death of Catherine II in 1796 performances ceased. All the attempts to revive the theatre in the XIX century failed. Up to the early 1980s the Hermitage Theatre housed the Hermitage Lecture-hall, while other premises were occupied by museum departments, laboratories and storage rooms.

In 1989 after reconstruction and restoration, the Hermitage Theatre was opened again. Now the famous stars of the Russian ballet perform here.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre (Drama Theatre Named After A.S. Pushkin)

It is the oldest professional theatre in Russia. The building was constructed to the design of K.Rossi in 1832, being one of the architectural masterpieces among theatres of the 19th century. The theatre was named after the wife of Emperor Nicholas I (Alexandra).

At the beginning, ballet, opera, drama and vaudeville performances were delivered in the theatre. Currently the Theatre is rebuilding its reputation. Though considered a drama theatre, it stages ballet, opera and musical comedy again. Grand ballet seasons have been organised on this stage for many years.

Folklore show

Your visit to Russia will be incomplete without a visit to a folklore show. The best professional groups of our country, having up to 100 participators each, will perform for you the masterpieces of Russian folk art.

Lyrical joyful Russian dances, choir masterpieces will open up for you the deep soul of the Russian people. Words fail to express the deep impression created by the beautiful figures, swift movements and virtuoso performances including the smooth, gliding dances of the girls, and the remarkable jumps and pirouettes of the men dancers. All the dancers act their parts with their own individualities. One of the most important elements in dance is the costume. It helps to bring to the spectators the idea of the choreographer, making the image of each person more expressive, contributing to a finer perception of each dance.

You may also enjoy the famous Russian songs "Katiusha", "Kalinka" and "Moscow Suburb Nights", being accompanied by a big orchestra of Russian national instruments. All groups, performing for you, had unique success not only in Russia, but all over the world. Summing up,without a doubt,the impression made by the folklore shows can only be described as "a fairy tale".

Tovstonogov Bolshoy Drama Theatre

One of the leading drama theatres in Russia, performing Russian and world classics. In summer the theatre devotes its stage to the performances of ballet.

The Opera Hall Of Conservatoire

Named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov. In this Hall opened in 1923 a lot of eminent singers, musicians and conductors revealed their talents.

The Shestakovitch Philarmonic Hall (Big Hall)

This oldest musical centre is one of the biggest in Russia. The Philharmonic Society was founded in 1921. The architect P. Jaquau constructed the building of the Big Hall in 1834-39.

At present time the Philharmonic Society comprises two symphony orchestras. Such world famous conductors and musicians as E. Mravinsky, K. Zanderling, D. Oistrakh, E. Svetlanov, Y. Temirkanov, S. Richter and M. Rostropovitch performed in the Big Hall. On August 9, 1942 the Chief Symphony Orchestra directed by K. Eliasberg played the Shostakovitch's Seventh Symphony here.

Entertainments

Folk-show in Nikolaevski palace. This palace is famous by its gala marble staircase and elegant staterooms. Guests will see Russian exotic show - the performance of folklore groups of our city - the Cossack company "Maidan", the Russian folk instrument quartet "Russian color", dancing company "Petersburg stars", the company "Souvenier". Gay and lyrical dances, original Russian songs will help to learn Russian soul.

Excursion and master-class in Shuvalovka. The Russian village of Shuvalovka is the center of Russian traditional culture, which is unique architectural ensemble, reproducing appearance of peasant houses and economic buildings of the north of Russia. Visitors can learn about country life, traditional folk crafts, Russian national holidays, ceremonies and customs. The centre is located between Strelna and Petergof (3 km from Konstantinovsky Palace on the Petergof side) Nowadays visitors to this hospitable Russian Village are welcomed to the Crafts Center, the Traditional Hut, Blacksmith's and Potter's workshops.