Travel Russia Newsletter

March 2008

In This Issue

Mariinsky Theatre

Hermitage theatre

Mikhailovsky and Alexandrinsky theatres

Folklore show in Nikolayevsky palace

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The most known Mariinsky Theatre is a historic theatre of opera and ballet that was named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Tsar Alexander II. The world-famous conductor Valery Gergiev serves as its general director. Maestro initiated in 1993 The " Stars of White of Nights" Festival (this year held May 11 - July 20, 2008), that has gained international acclaim. Best conductors and soloists consider it a special honour to perform in it. In October 27-31 The Mariinsky Theatre's festival "new Horizonz" will be staging a Russian and British program of contemporary music at Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall. The festival, planned to be an annual event, this year will focus on music of young British composer Thomas Ades.

Hermitage theatre is located near Hermitage museum and is the oldest part of the Winter Palace Complex. Firstly it was thought as a small court theatre with capacity of 250 people for the Emperors family and selected court. This defined forms, hall sizes and seat arrangements. The Hall has an elegant and brilliant decoration. It should be mentioned however that this is the only theatre that has free seating - the sooner you arrive the better seat you have!
 

Mikhailovsky Theatre (former Mussorgsky or Maly Opera), brilliantly suitable to the architectural ensemble of Mikhailovskaya square building became the third Emperor stage in the city. The  present repertoire of the the theatre features the best works of Russian and foreign composers.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre  building created by Rossi is one of the finest samples of Russian Classicism. Its opening took place in 1832. Pushkin, Belinsky, Turgenev used to visit it. Checkhov saw the performance of his play "Ivanov" here. In summer time the theatre is rented by by ballet companies to give the guests of the city a chance to city classical ballets.
 

FOLKLORE SHOW IN NIKOLAYEVSKY PALACE

We would like to remind you that the visitors to the city might have a wonderful evening enjoying the beauty of the palace and a folklore show with optional cocktail served in the interval in one of the beautiful halls of the palace (the ticket to the show can be booked with or without cocktail). Before the performance the guests are welcomed by the actors dressed in 19th century costumes. The genuine singing and gripping dancing will leave none indifferent!

The shows are arranged almost every day in high season time (May - September) at 06.30 and 09.00 pm.

The NikolaevskyPalace is a beautiful example of one of St Petersburg's great palaces, built in red and yellow brick, not far from Palace Square.

It was built between 1861-1863 for Grand Prince Nicholas, the third son of Nicholas I., and then, in 1894, became home to the Kseninsky Boarding School - a private school for girls from noble families, founded by Tsar Alexander III in honour of his eldest daughter, Grand Duchess Kseniya Alexandrovna.  After the revolution, the Palace was renamed "Dvarietz Truda" - or "The Labour Palace", and became the trade unions' headquarters.  Today, the palace still houses several offices, but several of the old staterooms have been beautifully restored to their former glory. The entrance hall is impressive, with a beautiful, long, grey marble staircase, grey & white marble pillars and chandeliers.