The most secular musical theater in Russia, which keeps pace with the times and feels the development trends of modern ballet and opera - so you can describe Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg in a few words. The brilliant career of the theater began on November 8, 1833, when Mikhailovsky opened the doors for the first spectators. Today, the theater has 180 seasons behind the theater,

You will find a theater in the Arts Square where it fits perfectly into the ensemble constructed according to the projects of Carlo Rossi . The brilliant architect Alexander Bryullov worked on this modest building . About the fact that this theater, you can guess only on the roof, where a tall box of a scene is visible behind the dome above the auditorium . But despite the minimalist exterior decoration, inside the theater's knowledge amazes with its luxury . Initially, the theater was conceived by Nicholas I, as a chamber stage hosting a high-ranking and was named in honor of the Emperor's brother . However, the theater acquired such renown that it became a place of social gatherings - the entire St. Petersburg light was coming here .

Despite the popularity, Mikhailovsky practically had no own troupe or permanent repertoire until almost the revolution. The stage was performed by German, French troupes, and Johann Strauss often performed as a conductor. Moreover, over the years of its existence the theater has repeatedly changed its name: it was Leningrad, and Petersburg, and the Small Theater of Opera and Ballet. Only in 2001 he was given the historical name - Mikhailovsky Theater

The revolution changed the situation, and the theater leadership was faced with the question of forming the company, as it was impossible for foreign artists to enter the country. In 1933 a new troupe performed on Mikhailovsky's stage with the ballet "Harlequin" by Fyodor Lopukhov. Since that time the theater has become the starting point of the "Soviet opera" and on its stage the operas "Nose" and "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk" by Dmitry Shostakovich and the innovative "Queen of Spades" by Vsevolod Meyerhold appear for the first time.

I must say that in post-perestroika times The theater experienced a very difficult period of its history - the building fell into decay, the popularity of the theater fell dramatically. 2007 can be called the year of the revival of its former greatness. The sponsor's project of Vladimir Kekhman helped in a short time to make a major overhaul of the building and restore the old front door of the hall. Kekhman not only allocated money for restoration, but laid the foundation for the new creative life of the theater: in 2007 the post of art director of the ballet was occupied by People's Artist of Russia Farukh Ruzimatov, the opera company was headed by the star of the world scene Elena Obraztsova, who continue their cooperation with the theater today and act as advisers to the general director for artistic affairs Osam.

Today the theater can rightly be called a unique venue where the centuries-old classical traditions and new modern theater trends coexist together . Thanks to the director theatrical companies are headed by famous conductors, choreographers and directors . The theater is regularly invited Leading teachers of Europe and America, who give master classes for beginner theater artists .The repertoire of the theater is updated due to the most important works of European opera and ballet art that have not been shown on the Russian stage yet .

Repertoire

Fresh European view on the ballet productions of the theater appeared in 2011 together with the artistic director of the ballet troupe - the famous the Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, an adherent of abstract art. In St. Petersburg, he staged the ballets Duende, Without Words, Nuns Dimittis, Sleeping Beauty, Prelude, Multifaceted. Forms of Silence and Emptiness "," Romeo and Juliet ", which were repeatedly nominated for the" Golden Mask. " In 2013, Nacho Duato plans to leave the theater and go to Germany, where he will head the State Ballet of Berlin. However, he will continue to work with the Mikhailovsky Theater in 2014 as a permanent choreographer.

Perhaps, it is necessary to single out one staging Dueto - ballet "In the Forest" (Na Floresta) to the music of Heitor Vila-Lobos and Wagner Tiso, who entered the repertoire of the Mikhailovsky Theater. It is a ballet with a history. His world premiere took place in 1990 in The Hague. This choreographic composition, which celebrates the beauty of the Amazonian Selva, was incredibly successful and still belongs to the repertoire of the leading theaters of the world.

Practical information

The theater is small - the number of seats in the auditorium is 890. The scene is clearly visible, on any number of stalls. The prices for tickets are quite democratic: the first row in the stalls will cost you 4500 rubles, and in the box of the third tier you can get for 1500 rubles.

How to find: Arts Square, 1, Metro Nevsky Prospekt

Mikhailovsky Theater