Mariinsky: Tercentenary Concerts in London

The Mariinsky (Kirov) Theatre will present its programme dedicated to St. Petersburg's tercentenary in London on May 28 and 29, 2002. The two concerts, Silhouettes of the Ages Past and Classicism and Modernism will be staged in the Royal Opera. The performances were envisioned by the British foundation of Mariinsky's friends. Mariinsky's artists will perform various arias from Russian ballets and operas, among them Glinka's Life for the Tsar Tchaikovsky's Evgeny Onegin, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, Borodin's Prince Igor, Stravinsky's The Nightingale, Prokofiev's The Fiery Angel, The Prodigal Son and Cinderella, Shostakovich's Lady Machbeth and Leningrad Symphony. Most of the pieces will be staged in London for the first time.

As a Rosbalt correspondent has learnt from the foundation's executive director Caroline Smith, 'Britain likes Russian culture and that means these performances is a wonderful opportunity to bring together all those who want to promote it.' 'This year we have decided to present a programme dedicated to St. Petersburg's tercentenary because we understand the importance of the event. We have already agreed with Mr. Gergiev [Mariinsky's Artistic Director] that the two performances will display Russian culture united in opera and ballet in all its splendour,' she added.