Mariinskii Opera House. MARIINSKY THEATER (named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna), opera and ballet theater in St. Petersburg. Opened in 1860 with the production of the opera “A Life for the Tsar” by M.I. Glinka in the building of the Circus Theater on Theater Square, rebuilt in 1859... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

MARIINSKII OPERA HOUSE- opened in 1783 in St. Petersburg as the Stone (Bolshoi) Theater, from 1860 in a modern building (architect A.K. Kavos), at the same time received its modern name; in 1919 1991 State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, since 1935 named after. S. M. Kirov, since 1992... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

MARIINSKII OPERA HOUSE- (named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna), Opera and Ballet Theater in St. Petersburg. Opened in 1860 with the production of the opera Life for the Tsar by M.I. Glinka in the building of the Circus Theater on Teatralnaya Square, rebuilt in 1859 (reconstructed in 1968 1970). One... ...Russian history

Mariinskii Opera House- (see Opera and Ballet Theater named after S. M. Kirov). Saint Petersburg. Petrograd. Leningrad: Encyclopedic reference book. M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. Ed. board: Belova L.N., Buldakov G.N., Degtyarev A.Ya. et al. 1992 ... St. Petersburg (encyclopedia)

Mariinskii Opera House- Mariinsky Theater, see Opera and Ballet Theater named after S. M. Kirov... Encyclopedic reference book "St. Petersburg"

Mariinskii Opera House- opened in 1783 in St. Petersburg as the Stone (Bolshoi) Theater, from 1860 in a modern building (architect A.K. Kavos), then it received its modern name; in 1919 1991 State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, since 1935 named after S. M. Kirov ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Mariinskii Opera House Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Mariinskii Opera House- in St. Petersburg. open Oct 2 1860 revival of the opera Life for the Tsar. Rebuilt by architect A.K. Kavos from the circus theater that burned down in 1859. Recently (1894-96) the theater was completely rebuilt. Significant work to improve... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Mariinskii Opera House- see Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theater... Music Encyclopedia

Mariinskii Opera House- MARIINSKY THEATER, see Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theater... Ballet. Encyclopedia

Books

• Bolshoi Theater Culture and politics New history, Volkov S.. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous brands in Russia. In the West, the word Bolshoi does not need translation. Now it seems that it has always been this way. Not at all. For many years the main musical... Buy for 848 RUR
• Big theater. Culture and politics. New history, Volkov Solomon. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous brands in Russia. In the West, the word Bolshoi does not need translation. But this was not always the case. For many years, the main musical theater of the empire was considered...

Theaters occupied an important stage in the history of the formation of Russian culture and traditions. Among the significant and outstanding theaters, the Mariinsky Theater has become a unique historical and architectural landmark of the country. Art connoisseurs have always ranked him among the best. Many historians, architects, and ordinary citizens are interested in the history of the creation of the Mariinsky Theater.

It is eventful and deserves attention. The date of foundation and the beginning of the existence of the Mariinsky Theater is considered to be 1783, when, by direct order of Catherine, it was decided to open the Bolshoi Kamenny Theater on Theater Square, at that time it was called Carousel Square.

In the mid-nineteenth century in 1859, the Circus Theater, built immediately opposite the famous Bolshoi Theater, was, unfortunately, completely destroyed, caused by a severe fire. Instead of the burnt building, a new building was erected - the building of the now famous Mariinsky Theater. It didn’t get its name by chance; it was customary to call it Mariinsky. It was not without reason that this name was given to it - in honor of Empress Maria Alexandrovna (wife of Alexander II).

In this theater, the first theatrical season opened a little later, only in 1860. A little later, it was decided to rebuild it, and the entire repertoire was transferred to the stage of the Mariinsky Theater.

Each era in history has left its historical imprint. During the revolutionary period, the theater changed its name to the State Theater, and starting in 1920 it was renamed the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. But this did not end the renaming of the theater - in the mid-thirties (1935) it was named after the famous revolutionary Sergei Kirov.

Modern Mariinsky Theater

Currently it includes three operating sites:

— the main site is the theater building itself on Teatralnaya;
— the second stage was opened in 2013;
- third stage - Concert hall, open on the street. Decembrists.

Over the years of its existence, a huge number of unique works have been staged on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater. You could buy tickets to the ballet “The Nutcracker”, enjoy the magnificent production of “Sleeping Beauty”, “Peter Grimes”, etc.

In total, over the years of the twentieth century, over thirty operas and 29 ballets were staged on its stage. This is a very high figure. The country's best composers and artistic directors found their inspiration here. Today, a huge number of professional actors work here - real aces of theatrical art.

It should be noted that the Great Patriotic War left a huge unpleasant imprint on the history of the theater itself. In addition to material damage, the theater team lost about three hundred artists who, unfortunately, died at the front.

Many guests from other countries came to the country to see the unique performance of talented actors. Every year the theater received many people who wanted to attend the famous Mariinsky productions.

Many artists participating in popular and well-known productions even today were awarded special thanks and awards.

Let's hope that buildings such as the Mariinsky Theater are no longer in danger of drastic changes. Due to little funding from the state, actors have to get involved in the development of the repertoire. Every year we can see that the efforts of our ancestors were not in vain - the stage of the Mariinsky Theater was given to a fairly large number of outstanding actors and opera performers.

The building of the Mariinsky Theater.

The Mariinsky Theater of St. Petersburg is a large-scale theater and concert complex that has no analogues in the world.

Over more than two hundred years of history, the Mariinsky Theater has given the world many great stage figures - conductors, directors, and brilliant set designers. Artists who honed their skills in the Mariinsky troupe have achieved world fame: Fyodor Chaliapin, Matilda Kshesinskaya, Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, Galina Ulanova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and many others.

High positions of world recognition are maintained today. One of the winners of the prestigious award of the influential New York magazine Dance Magazine 2017 became prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theater Diana Vishneva.

History and general information

The history of the theater begins at the end of the distant 18th century, when on December 5, 1783, the Bolshoi Theater was inaugurated on Carousel Square, which began to be called in his honor - Teatralnaya. The stone building, designed by Antonio Rinaldi, was repeatedly reconstructed and rebuilt as the city grew and its appearance changed in accordance with the architectural fashion of those times.

In the first half of the 19th century, the Bolshoi Theater became one of the most popular attractions in St. Petersburg. It owes its ceremonial and festive appearance to the creative genius of the architect Thomas de Thomon, then to the architect Alberto Cavos, the son of the composer and bandmaster, who restored it after grandiose fires and changed its proportions and sizes in accordance with the requirements of the time.

The “Golden Age” of the Bolshoi Theater falls precisely on this period, when the operas of Weber, Rossini, and Alyabiev’s vaudevilles were performed on its stage with great success. The origin of the glory of Russian ballet is associated with the legendary Charles Didelot, who led the St. Petersburg theater school. Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin becomes a regular at the theater.

A significant event was the premiere of Mikhail Glinka’s first national opera “A Life for the Tsar” on November 27, 1836. Exactly 6 years later, on the same day, the premiere of the second opera by the Russian composer “Ruslan and Lyudmila” took place. These two dates forever inscribed the Bolshoi Petersburg Theater in the history of Russian culture.

The flames of the fire of 1859 open a new page of history. Like a “Phoenix bird” from the ashes of the burnt theater-circus located opposite the Bolshoi, according to the project of A. Kavos, a new theater is being revived, which is named Mariinsky in honor of the wife of Emperor Alexander II - Maria Alexandrovna. And again, M. Glinka’s opera “Life for the Tsar” appeared before its first audience on October 2, 1860.

In 1886, the building of the St. Petersburg Conservatory was built on the site of the Bolshoi Theater, and by this time all performances were transferred to the stage of the Mariinsky Theater. The Mariinsky Theater building was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed in the period from 1885 to 1894. Under the leadership of the architect of the imperial theaters, Victor Schröter, the façade of the building becomes monumental, the interior spaces are expanded, the acoustics of the hall are improved, the side wings, the power plant, and the boiler room are completed.

The Imperial Mariinsky Theater continued the traditions of the first musical stage, developed and strengthened its key positions in theatrical culture. With the arrival of Eduard Napravnik as conductor in 1863, an entire era was associated, marked by the premieres of operatic masterpieces. “Boris Godunov” and “Khovanshchina” by M. P. Mussorgsky, “The Snow Maiden” by N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov, “Prince Igor” by A. P. Borodin, “The Queen of Spades” by P. I. Tchaikovsky and others have gone down in history Russian opera music and are still performed on the theater stage.

Ballet on the theater stage.

Here there was a happy meeting between the choreographer Marius Petipa and the great composer P. I. Tchaikovsky. The result of the collaboration was two wonderful ballets, “The Sleeping Beauty” and “The Nutcracker,” and “Swan Lake” found a second life in Petipa’s production.

Ballet on the theater stage.

During the Soviet period, the theater was declared state (1917) and named after S. M. Kirov (1935).

The repertoire is updated with modern operas by S. Prokofiev “The Love for Three Oranges”, “Salome” and “Der Rosenkavalier” by Richard Strauss, the drama ballets “The Flames of Paris” by B. Astafiev, “The Red Poppy” by R. Gliere and many other productions are successfully performed.

During the Great Patriotic War, the theater was evacuated to Perm, and on September 1, 1944, it again opened the season, according to tradition, with M. Glinka’s opera “Ivan Susanin” (the post-revolutionary name of the opera “A Life for the Tsar”).

An important creative stage in the development of the theater is associated with the activities of Yuri Temirkanov, who headed it in 1976. His productions of P. I. Tchaikovsky’s operas “Eugene Onegin” and “The Queen of Spades” are still in the repertoire.

In 1988, Valery Gergiev became the theater's chief conductor. Under his leadership, the Mariinsky Theater returned its historical name (1992) and is implementing a number of large-scale projects.

Classical music lovers are keen to visit the Concert Hall, opened in 2006, which received the unofficial name Mariinsky-3. Built on the site of a warehouse for theater decorations that burned down in 2003, the hall is one of the best concert venues in the world. The Japanese Yasuhisa Toyota, a world-class specialist, was invited to create the acoustics, and the interior design was carried out by a group of designers led by Mikhail Shemyakin. The combination of two facades in one building - the historical one from 1900 and the modern one - symbolizes the connection of times. In the unusual auditorium, designed in the shape of a cradle, the stage is located in the middle, and seats for spectators are located around it in the form of terraces.

Stage of the Mariinsky Theater concert hall.

The most ambitious project is the opening of a new theater stage (Mariinsky-2) on the Kryukov Canal embankment opposite the old building in 2013. At first glance, the building made of glass and metal does not fit into the image of St. Petersburg. However, according to the author of the project, Jack Diamond, his idea was to create a modest backdrop for the ancient building of the Mariinsky Theater.

Facade of the new building of the Mariinsky Theater.

In fact, the simple facade hides a dazzling interior. The best traditions of the 18th century are embodied in the design of a large auditorium with a capacity of 2 thousand seats, curved in the shape of a horseshoe. The acoustics of the hall are such that spectators from the most distant places can clearly hear the quietest notes. The two-level foyer is lined with onyx and marble, one of the 33-meter-high staircases is made of unique glass and connects all levels, and Swarovski chandeliers fill the space with a warm, enchanting light.

Architecture and interesting facts

The multi-figured silhouette of the ancient building of the Mariinsky Theater, built in the neoclassical style, impresses with its beauty and monumentality. The auditorium has 1,625 seats. Everything here is unusual: from the blue color of the walls and the blue velvet of the chairs to the pattern of the curtain, repeating the pattern of the dress of Empress Maria Alexandrovna. The crystal chandelier, made in 1860 from 23 thousand pendants, illuminates the ceiling with portraits of the playwrights surrounded by 12 nymphs and cupids. Undoubtedly, the theater is currently in need of renovation, and the audience can only hope that it will be carried out carefully and will not deprive the interior of its unique historical charm.

Interesting facts related to the Mariinsky Theater:

• During the operas "Boris Godunov" and "Khovanshchina", the audience hears the ringing of a real bell, which is located behind the stage. During the period of struggle against religion, the bell was thrown from the church and drowned in the Kryukov Canal; later it was taken out from the bottom and donated to the theater.
• From the royal box, a hidden door leads to the dressing rooms. According to legend, the heir to the throne, Nicholas, used the secret passage to visit his friend from his youth, the young dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya.
• In the 1970s, reconstruction was carried out; builders discovered a layer of broken crystal under the orchestra pit. Only when the fragments were thrown away did it become clear that this layer served the function of improving acoustics.
• Speaking of acoustics. It is best to listen to opera from the third tier, but it is preferable to watch ballet from the first.

Where is it and how to get there

• The main building is located at: Teatralnaya Square, 1.
• Mariinsky-2 is located on Dekabristov Street, 34.
• Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater (Mariinsky-3) – Pisareva Street, 20 (entrance from Dekabristov Street, 37).

The nearest metro is a transport hub of three stations: Spasskaya, Sadovaya and Sennaya Ploshchad. Next, walk about a kilometer.

Or public transport stop "Mariinsky Theater" (buses 2, 3, 6, 22, 27, 50, 70; minibuses 1, 2, 6K, 124, 169, 186, 306).

The Mariinsky Theater is both a cultural object and a landmark; not only travelers from Russian cities, but also foreign tourists are eager to see its productions during a visit to St. Petersburg. The theater was founded in 1783; at first, performances were staged at the Bolshoi Theater. Over time, the theater acquired a different building and name; it was named Mariinsky in honor of the wife of Alexander II, Maria Alexandrovna.

The theater had many glorious periods; truly talented people collaborated with it. The best opera voices of their time shone on the theater stage - Leonid Sobinov, Fyodor Chaliapin, Maria Slavina, among the ballet troupe artists were Matilda Kshesinskaya, Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina and other famous performers.

The modern Mariinsky Theater is actively developing, striving to update its repertoire and develop new formats of interaction with the public.

Poster of the Mariinsky Theater

The Mariinsky Theater's repertoire is diverse; it presents both already beloved productions and new releases. The theater collaborates with famous international theaters, and the result of this work is joint productions. Art lovers can visit the opera, enjoy ballet performances, purchase tickets to music concerts and lectures on culture and art. There are also productions designed for young viewers. A special program is being prepared for New Year holidays and anniversaries.

The stage of the Mariinsky Theater is a venue for international festivals - “Flute Virtuosi”, “Faces of Modern Pianism”, “Organ Festival” and other significant events. The theater implements the “Open Environment” project, the meaning of which is that every Wednesday afternoon free music concerts are held. Visitors have the opportunity to hear works by composers who worked in different musical styles and historical eras performed by members of the theater orchestra and young instrumentalists. Tickets are issued directly at the entrance to the theater, but you need to keep in mind that the number of spectators is limited - the hall can only accommodate 170 people.

Opera

The troupe includes many experienced vocalists who honor the traditions of the theater, and there are also young talented artists who bring a lot of creative energy to the process. A significant place in the theater's repertoire is occupied by productions based on the musical works of outstanding Russian composers - in particular, Glinka, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev. The repertoire includes the operas “Boris Godunov”, “The Tsar’s Bride”, “Eugene Onegin”, “The Nightingale”.

Operas are staged based on foreign classics - Mozart, Berlioz, Puccini, Rossini, Strauss and other famous composers. On the stage of the theater you can hear the operas “Aida”, “Don Carlos”, “Macbeth”, “Benvenuto Cellini”, “Elisir of Love”. Works are usually performed in the original language. For the convenience of the audience, some performances are accompanied by synchronous captions in different languages. The theater management does not ignore the operas of contemporary composers.

Opera is a rather complex genre that will not be easy to perceive and understand for an unprepared listener. Therefore, the repertoire includes small operas - mono-operas and one-act ones, which allow you to get acquainted with interesting works. There are also small operas for children, the preparation of which uses plots and techniques that they understand in order to convey the eternal truths embedded in the productions.

Mariinsky Theater Ballet

European choreographic art had a significant influence on the theater's ballet. Choreographers from Italy and France were preparing artists who could perform parts in their productions. A successful period in the work of the ballet troupe is associated with the name of Marius Petipa, who was a dancer and choreographer in the theater. Having achieved a lot in this field, he continued his work as the main choreographer of the theater. Such ballets as “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, and “Raymonda” staged by him can still be seen on playbills; many admirers of choreographic art go to see them with pleasure.

The theater's repertoire includes “Giselle”, “The Nutcracker”, “La Sylphide”, “Corsair”, “Romeo and Juliet”. In addition to productions that have become classic masterpieces, the Mariinsky Theater shows the best examples of the work of contemporary foreign choreographers and introduces the productions of young promising choreographers.

Mariinsky Theater in 2019

The theater is constantly developing, expanding its repertoire and inventing new formats for working with the public. It has several scenes, each of which fulfills its own role. The theater also includes the Primorsky Stage, located in Vladivostok, and a branch in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (Vladikavkaz).

Main stage

The historical first stage is still the main stage for the theater. It is located at 1 Teatralnaya Square, the building was built in 1860, since then it has undergone several reconstructions. On this stage the audience can see a significant part of the repertoire.

The stage curtain is one of the symbols of the theater; it was created by the artist Alexander Golovin. Its peculiarity is that it is made using painting and appliqué techniques and duplicates the design of the train of Empress Maria Alexandrovna (wife of Alexander II).

Hall of the Mariinsky Theater in Google panoramas

Concert hall

Opening of the concert hall on the street. Pisareva, 20 took place at the end of 2006. Previously, the building housed the theater's decorative workshops for a long time. After a devastating fire in the early 2000s, it was decided to build a Concert Hall on the site of the building. During construction, it was possible to preserve part of the facade, which escaped destruction by fire. The theater and concert complex has ultra-modern equipment.

Concerts of foreign symphony orchestras, famous instrumentalists and opera soloists are held on the stage of the hall; conductor Christian Thielemann, singer Anna Netrebko, pianist Denis Matsuev, singer Sergei Leiferkus and other generally recognized performers have performed here. The concert hall is a venue for various festivals; exhibitions of paintings are also organized within its walls.

New scene

The new theater building was opened in 2013, its address: st. Dekabristov, 34. Although the architecture of the new building caused a lot of negative feedback, everything inside was thought out in accordance with all modern requirements - from the auditorium to the dressing room. The auditorium seats up to 2,000 people and has been designed to provide the best possible acoustics, views and comfort for spectators. The stage consists of the main stage, rehearsal stage and rear stage. A lot of space is reserved for rehearsal rooms for troupe artists.

The building has an open terrace with a wonderful view of the city. It is available in the summer and can be visited an hour before the start of the performance. Opera and ballet performances are staged on stage. In addition to the auditorium, chamber halls are used, designed for a small circle of listeners. Concerts, lectures, film screenings are held here. If you are going to see a production on the main stage, it will also be convenient to get off at the Teatralnaya Ploshchad stop; there are many public transport routes here.

You can also get to the theater by metro, but keep in mind that the nearest Sadovaya station is about 1.5 km from the place. You can walk to the theater or transfer to ground transport and get to the stops listed above. From the metro you can get there by buses No. 50, 71, minibuses No. 1 and 169.

In addition, it is convenient to get to the Mariinsky Theater using taxi ordering applications: Yandex. Taxi, Maxim, Gett, Uber and others.

Video about the Mariinsky Theater