The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre (in the Soviet times called the Kirov Theatre) is one of the best classic theatres in the world and the most popular theatre in Russia. The Mariinsky Theatre foundation is traditionally dated as 1783, the year the Big (or Stone) Theatre designed by Rinaldi was opened in the Theatre Square. The new building, erected by architect Kavos was opened on October 2, 1860 and named Mariinsky after the Emperor Alexander’s II wife Maria. The Mariinsky Theatre companies, especially the ballet one, have always been formed of nobody but the best from the best. Such famed artists as Istomina, Pavlova, Baryshnikov, Didlot and Semenova danced on the Mariinsky’s stage. In the Soviet epoch the Mariinsky ballet troupe was starred by Galina Ulanova, Natalia Dudinskaya, Irina Kolpakova, Konstantin Sergeyev. The Russian opera school was as well founded in Saint-Petersburg, the city called “home of the Russian opera”. Mariinsky opera performances are especially popular for staging operas by Araia, Traetta, Sarti, Paisiello, Galuppi, Mozart, Rossini,Verdi, Strauss, Berg and Wagner. Recently, under the present art director Valeriy Gergiev’s creative management, a special attention is paid for works by Russian composers, such as Musorgsky, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov. The fame of the Theatre is its permanent repertoire which consists of classical ballet and opera performances starred by artists of the highest rank.
    We will be glad to provide you with all assistance in getting the information about the theatre repertoire, booking the tickets (any class), and in organization of private fourchettes during the intervals in the performance.