Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
Mariinsky Theatre is a historic theater of opera and ballet in Saint Petersburg and one of the oldest musical institutions in Russia. Many prominent artists of international fame have blessed its stage with their performance. Today, the Mariinsky Theatre is home to the Mariinsky Ballet, Mariinsky Opera and Mariinsky Orchestra. The former also goes by the name Kirov Ballet, retained for brand recognition purposes.
The theater's name has changed several times throughout history, reflecting the political climate of the time. Originally, it was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, the wife of Tsar Alexander II and patroness of art; her bust is found inside the main entrance foyer. Through most of the Soviet era, the institution was known as the Kirov Theatre, renamed after Sergey Kirov, the Leningrad Communist Party leader assassinated in 1934.
The building itself has remained virtually unchanged since opening in 1860. Renowned for its U-shaped Italian-style auditorium seating 1,625, it was designed by Albert Cavos. Stunning design is present everywhere: beautiful artwork adorns the ceiling; gold accented chandeliers beautifully light the Imperial Room, while a golden-themed curtain regally covers the stage.
Many Russian operas, like those of Mikhail Glinka (including “A Life for the Tsar” played on the opening night of 2 October 1860), Modest Mussorgsky, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky have seen their premieres at the Mariinsky. It was also here that the renowned choreographer Marius Petipa presented his ballet masterpieces: The Sleeping Beauty (1890), The Nutcracker (1892), Swan Lake (1895), and Raymonda (1898).
The Mariinsky ballet school has spawned the careers of such grands as Matilda Kschessinskaya, Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, and George Balanchine, followed later by the likes of Galina Ulanova, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Why You Should Visit:
Cradle of the Russian ballet and classical music & opera excellence – great acoustics, superb programming, complete with comfortable seating.
Tip:
No strict dress code, but do your best to look well.
The theater's name has changed several times throughout history, reflecting the political climate of the time. Originally, it was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, the wife of Tsar Alexander II and patroness of art; her bust is found inside the main entrance foyer. Through most of the Soviet era, the institution was known as the Kirov Theatre, renamed after Sergey Kirov, the Leningrad Communist Party leader assassinated in 1934.
The building itself has remained virtually unchanged since opening in 1860. Renowned for its U-shaped Italian-style auditorium seating 1,625, it was designed by Albert Cavos. Stunning design is present everywhere: beautiful artwork adorns the ceiling; gold accented chandeliers beautifully light the Imperial Room, while a golden-themed curtain regally covers the stage.
Many Russian operas, like those of Mikhail Glinka (including “A Life for the Tsar” played on the opening night of 2 October 1860), Modest Mussorgsky, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky have seen their premieres at the Mariinsky. It was also here that the renowned choreographer Marius Petipa presented his ballet masterpieces: The Sleeping Beauty (1890), The Nutcracker (1892), Swan Lake (1895), and Raymonda (1898).
The Mariinsky ballet school has spawned the careers of such grands as Matilda Kschessinskaya, Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, and George Balanchine, followed later by the likes of Galina Ulanova, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Why You Should Visit:
Cradle of the Russian ballet and classical music & opera excellence – great acoustics, superb programming, complete with comfortable seating.
Tip:
No strict dress code, but do your best to look well.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Mariinsky Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Mariinsky Theatre
Sight Location: St. Petersburg, Russia (See walking tours in St. Petersburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: St. Petersburg, Russia (See walking tours in St. Petersburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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