Opera and Ballet Theatre of Saratov, Opera house in Saratov, Russia

The Opera and Ballet Theatre of Saratov is a professional opera and ballet house located in the city center of Saratov, a major city on the Volga River in Russia. The building has a large auditorium and presents a full repertoire of classical works from both Russian and European traditions.

The theatre was founded in the 19th century, when Saratov was growing into one of the most active cultural centers along the Volga. Over the following decades the building was rebuilt and expanded more than once to meet the needs of a growing audience.

Since 1986 the theatre has held the annual Sobinov Festival, now an international event named after the Saratov-born tenor Leonid Sobinov. Its stage keeps Russian and European classics alongside new work, including the 2007 world premiere of Vladimir Kobekin's opera Margarita. Since 2005 a project has brought over 30 performances to Saratov university students.

The theatre sits in the center of Saratov and is easy to reach on foot from most central landmarks. Checking the programme ahead of time is a good idea, and arriving a little early gives you time to look around the lobby and the facade before the show begins.

The Saratov theatre is considered one of the oldest opera stages in Russia outside of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. This made it a regular stop for touring performers crossing the country's provincial cities for well over a century.