The spectacular Opening of the II International Mariinsky Far East Festival is dedicated to the celebration of the renowned Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin’s anniversary.
Tonight, the Second International Mariinsky Far East Festival will open with Alexei Ratmansky’s fairy-tale ballet The Little Humpbacked Horse to music by Rodion Shchedrin. This performance a fortunate combination of all ingredients necessary for success: the plot of Pyotr Yershov’s famous fairy-tale, extravagant and stylish design by Maxim Isayev, equally attractive to both children and adults, Alexei Ratmansky’s talented and ingenious choreography and emotional music by Rodion Shchedrin. In February 2017, this dynamic and cheerful production triumphantly concluded the Mariinsky Theatre tour in Washington to rapturous acclaim from American public and press, who noted its mood, brightness and freshness.
At the Primorsky Stage The Little Humpbacked Horse will be presented three times by the Mariinsky Ballet Company: on 15 July (19:00) and on 16 July (14:00 и 19:00). Lead parts will be performed by soloists Anastasia Kolegova, Valeria Martynyuk, Tatiana Tkachenko, Renata Shakirova, Yuri Smekalov, Ernst Latypov, Alexei Timofeyev, as well as the principal dancer of the Mariinsky Theatre and the Bavarian State Ballet Vladimir Shklyarov. In Vladivostok, the renowned dancer will also appear in an Evening with Vladimir Shklyarov with a mixed programme, which in addition to solo miniatures will include the premiere of Frederick Ashton’s ballet Marguerite and Armand featuring the Prima Ballerina of the London Royal Ballet Natalia Osipova, who will perform at the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre only once.
In the run-up to the Festival Opening, the listeners can enjoy a free concert by the Brass Orchestra of the Russian Pacific Fleet, which will take place at the Summer Terrace of The Primorsky Stage. Also, the Brass Band will play for everybody present and interested on July 30 on the occasion of the Russian Navy Day and will give a benefit concert at the House of Officers on July 29. The Orchestra is conducted by the Major Andrei Popov and Captain Iliya Sergeev.
