THEATRES

The Bolshoi Theatre Although in recent years the Bolshoi has been beset by financial and artistic difficulties, and somewhat overshadowed by the remarkable resurgence of St Petersburg's Kirov, it is still one of the greatest theatres in the world, with its own proud traditions and unforgettable atmosphere. An evening at the Bolshoi really is an essential part of a visit to Moscow. The building itself is one of Moscow's most symbolic sites, a truly impressive example of Russian Classical architecture that faces the Kremlin walls, and some fairly tacky open air bars and restaurants, with proud indifference. The Bolshoi is the second biggest opera house in Europe (after La Scala), and grandeur and artistic strength are combined in everything from the impressive statue of Apollo that crowns the facade to the ballet's famously muscular style of choreography… More.
The State Kremlin Palace What was once the Palace of Congresses is now Moscow's biggest and most "prestigious" concert hall, as well as playing host to large official functions and events. The only modern building in the Kremlin was completed in 1961 and became, according to the official Kremlin website, "a model for modern urban Soviet architecture". It's not, in fact, quite as hideous as that description makes it sound, although it's certainly out of place… More.
The Moscow New Opera Theatre This 700-seat, extremely well-equipped theatre inspires very mixed reactions among opera experts. The company was founded in 1991 by conductor Evgeny Kolobov, who defected from the Stanislavsky Opera Theatre, taking many of the leading artists with him. He was helped considerably by Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, which helps explain the ease with which the company found their new home… More.
The Moscow Operetta Theatre This theatre, which has been running since 1927 and has occupied this 19th century building since the sixties, traditionally staged the classics of light opera, concentrating on the works of Lehar, Strauss, and Kalman, alongside "Soviet operetta", a genre perhaps best forgotten… More.
The Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center Opened in 2002 by the legendary soprano Galina Vishnevskaya, the center is designed as an academy for the best young opera singers in Russia, extending their conservatory education and giving them the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in Russian opera. Vishnevskaya's stated aim is to preserve the specific traditions of Russian vocal art, and she has managed to find considerable funding and support…. More.
Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory Being one of the biggest musical conservatories in the world, the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory also holds leading positions as a concert centre. In its disposal it has a complex of concert halls providing a perfect opportunity for realization of various creative ideas on the highest professional level. .. More.

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