Bolshoi Theatre arrives on tour in Finland

A troupe of the Bolshoi Theatre arrived in the Finnish city of Savonlinn today to take part in the city's ballet festival. The troupe will perform Swan Lake from June 3-5.

The ballet festival is being patronized by Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Speaker of the State Duma Gennady Seleznyov. Curiously, the performances will take place on a specially erected stage at the medieval Olavinlinn fortress. The Russian troupe includes 200 people.

The Bolshoi Theatre is expected to collaborate with Savonlinn until 2007 at least. In 2004 the Muscovites are expected to perform Don Quixote and Giselle in the Finnish city.