Mariinsky Theatre to Perform Two Grand Premieres in Graz

On February 11th, the Mariinsky Theatre will start its concerts in Graz (Austria), St. Petersburg's twin city and the European capital of culture in 2003 as proclaimed by the European Union.

According to the press service of the theatre, Thaikovsky's Queen of Spades will mark the beginning of the tour. Art director of the Mariinsky Theatre Valery Gergiev will be the conductor, and Herman will be acted by Vladimir Galuzin, the main soloist of the theatre.

The theatre will perform two grand premieres - Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex operatic oratorio and Cimarosa's La Cleopatra that were produced by English director Jonathan Miller. Earlier the two operas were performed only as concert performance.

The tour will last till February 23rd.

The premieres of Oedipus Rex and La Cleopatra will be held in Russia in March. Then the Mariinsky Theatre will again perform them during the Stars of Twilight festival.