Mariinsky Theatre, Opera house in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The Mariinsky Theatre is an opera house in Saint Petersburg consisting of three performance spaces: the historical main stage with gilded boxes and chandeliers, a modern building made of glass and concrete, and a concert hall. The main stage preserves its neoclassical facade with columns and arched windows, while the second stage offers contemporary technology and generous sightlines.
Alberto Cavos designed the current building after a fire destroyed the earlier theatre, and the opening took place on October 2, 1860. Since then it became home to numerous premieres by Russian composers and remained active through political upheavals during the twentieth century.
The name honors Empress Maria Alexandrovna, who granted royal patronage and supported its early development. Today the venue remains one of the most important stages for Russian ballet and classical music, where locals and visitors from around the world spend the evening in formal attire.
Performances run throughout the year, and tickets can be booked through the official website. Visitors without Russian language skills should note that some operas display English surtitles, but not all performances offer this assistance.
Since 2009 the house has operated its own music label, releasing recordings of the resident ensembles under the direction of Valery Gergiev. The productions are recorded directly in the halls, capturing the sound of the spaces and the acoustics of each concert.
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