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· Theatres
There are more than 40 theatres in St. Petersburg among them the most famous Mariinsky theatre, Maly Opera & Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Dramatichesky (Large Drama) theatre, Maly Drama theatre - the theatre of Europe , etc. Besides St.Petersburg has charming theatres where different troupes perform. We mean the Hermitage theatre - the former emperor's theatre near the Winter Palace & the chamber theatre of the Yusupov Palace . One can listen to classical music in the best concert halls - the Large and the Small Philharmonic Halls, Capella, the Smolny Cathedral, etc.
The Mariinsky Theatre (Former Kirov Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre) |
It is one of the biggest and oldest theatres in Russia that is famous all over the world. The theatre dates back to 1783. The construction of the theatre building was completed in 1859 (architect A.Kavos). On October 1860 the performance of M.I. Glinka's opera “Life sacrificed for Tsar” marked its inauguration.
Operas and ballets written by the great Russian composers were put on the stage of the theatre. The performances here featured such brilliant world famous stars as E.Lavrovskaya, F. Shaliapin, M.Kshesinskaya, A.Pavlova, T. Karsavina, V.Nizhinsky, M.Fokin, and G.Ulanova. Valery Georgiev, 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 surely enjoy splendid singing, magnificent costumes and brilliant orchestra. The ballet repertoire consist of Marius Petipa's stage versions of classical Russian ballet like “Swan Lake”, Sleeping Beauty”, “Nutcracker”, etc.
Address: Teatralnaya pl., 1 |
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| Maly Opera & Ballet Theatre (Mussorgsky Opera and Ballet House) |
The theatre was built by the architect Alexander Bryullov during 1830 - 1833. It was named after the brother of the Tsar Nicolas I, Michael. It was opened on 8 November in 1833. Before the revolution, touring French court-performers gave private performances to small groups of aristocrats at the theatre. Since 1918 the Maly Opera House (dedicated to Mussorgsky), as it was called up until 1992, was one of the centers of Soviet musical art. Such famous ballet-masters as Yakobson and O.Vinogradov worked there. The current Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer, N.Boyarchicov calls the theatre as the laboratory of the modern choreography, although they have rather classical repertoire. Today in St.Petersburg , this Theatre is the second only to the Mariinsky Theatre.
Address: Arts square, 1
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| The Alexandrinsky Theatre (Academic Dramatic theatre named after A.S. Pushkin) |
The theatre was founded on the 30th of August 1756 . The building of the Alexandrinsky theatre (architect K.Rossi, 1832) is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian classicism. The main front of the theatre, turned to Nevsky avenue , is notable for a loggia with a strong Corinthian colonnade, crowned with an attic with stucco relieves of Glory and Apollo's chariot. In the bays on each side of the loggia there are statues of Terpsichore and Melpomene. In the decoration of the hall (1378 seats) the original carving of the tsar's box and boxes by the stage has remained. Sculptures, decorating the building, are made by V.Demut-Malinovsky and A.Triskorni.
Address: Ostrovskogo pl., 2 |
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| Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka |
Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka is one of the most beautiful theatres of Saint Petersburg . It is situated in the historical center of the city.
The building of the Imperial Theatre on the Fontanka was constructed on the site that belonged to the descendants, a general-lieutenant Count Anton Semjenovich Apraksin, invited the famous Petersburg architect, academic, building the theatre on his territory.
Fontana started his activity in Russia as an assistant of a famous architect Garland Boss and became famous at once reconstructed his own mansion at Dvortsovaya Embankment, 10, built in 17th century. L.F.Fontana constructed many buildings in the city but he famous for his project of one of the best hotels in Saint Petersburg - " Europe ".
The theatre building was completed in 1878. Contemporaries rated its functional merits and interior beauty highly. The inner design of the theatre has ancient sculpturing with golden covering, painted ceilings in all rooms; a laced marble staircase leads to the foyer of Greek hall. The staircase is lighted by ancient torches, designed as woman figures held furning torches. The hall is equipped by comfortable velvet seats in dark blue.
Address: Fontanka Embankment, 65 |
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| Hermitage Theatre |
The theatre was designed by the architect Giacomo Quarenghi and was constructed between the years of 1783-1787. It was originally used as Catherine the Greats personal theatre. It is located on the corner of the Palace Embankment and the Winter Canal Embankment.
The Hermitage Theatre is an outstanding architectural monument of the Russian classicism of the 1780. And in fact the theatre is one of the best Chamber music theatres in the world. The Hermitage Theatre is presently used as the lecture hall for the State Hermitage Museum and as the stage for the ballet performances, chamber music recitals, and opera performances.
Address: Dvortsovaya sq., 32 |
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| The Capella House named after Glinka |
Enclosed within a courtyard off the Moyka river is this orche-coloured concert hall with a facade in the French Classical style of Louis 14 XV. The Glinka Capella was designed by Leonty Benois in 1887-9 as the residence of the Imerial Court choir. Founded during the reign of Peter the Great the choir is as old as the city itself. Former directors have included the distinguished Russian composers Mikhail Glinka (1804-57) and Nikolay- Rimsky Korsakov 91844-1908).
With its excellent acoustics Glinka Capella can claim to be one of the best concert halls in the world. Outside is singers` bridge (Pevchesky most), aptly named, which was designed by yegor Adamin 1837-40.
Address: Naberezhnaya reki Moyi, 20 |
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| The Shostakovich Philharmonic Hall |
This oldest musical center is one of the bigest in Russia . The Philharmonic Society was founded in 1921. The architect P.Jaguau 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.Richer, and M.Rostropovich performed in the Big Hall.
On August 09/1942 the Chief Symphony Orchestra directed by K.Eliasberg, plaid the Seventh Symphony of D.Shostakovich here.
Concerts by leading musicians from both Russia and abroad take place in the Big Hall
Address: Mikhaylovskaya ul., 2 |
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| Nikolaevsky Art Centre |
The Nikolaevsky palace is a jewel in the crown of St.Petersburg architecture. It was built in the 19th century by Stakenschneider for Grand Duke Nikolai, son of the Tsar Nikolay I. Visitors are treated to a daily folk show the performances by Russia's best folk singers and dancers. Delicious Russian appetizers are served.
Address: Ploschad Truda, 4 |
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