Private Opera

The Private Opera was an opera house first located in the Solodovnikov Theatre on Bolshaya Dmitrovskaya Street, then relocated to the Theatre Paradis on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street after a fire. Both venues featured large stages equipped for operatic performances.

Savva Mamontov, a Russian industrialist, founded the opera house in 1885 with initial performances at his Abramtsevo Estate near Moscow. The move to Moscow's city center reflected its growing importance in Russian musical life.

The opera house shaped Russian musical traditions by presenting works of Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov on its stage. Performances here reflected a commitment to advancing national composers through ambitious and creative interpretations.

Visitors should note that the theater relocated multiple times, so it is helpful to confirm the current venue before planning a visit. The central location on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street makes it easily accessible by public transportation.

The opera house operated with complete financial independence: it maintained its own company of singers, designers, and conductors without government funding. This unusual arrangement allowed for artistic freedom and experimental productions rare for the time.

Location: Moscow

Inception: 1885

GPS coordinates: 55.76056,37.64917

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:23