In early spring, the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre will be holding a series of events dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the main “storyteller” of the Russian classical music, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
The renowned Russian composer and teacher was born on March 18, 1844 in Tikhvin. Being a representative of the famous Rimsky-Korsakov seafarer dynasty, he was educated at the School for Navigation Sciences, but during his stay in St Petersburg he delved into musical activity, to which he devoted his life. However, his love for the sea was embodied in many of his works. The composer’s lavish heritage includes fifteen operas, three symphonies, instrumental concerts, cantatas, vocal and sacred music. “Marinist” and “storyteller”, that is what Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was called by his contemporaries.
This spring, residents and guests of the region will be able to enjoy the celebrator composer’s most famous operas on the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.
On March 2 and 28, 2024, and on April 28, 2024, The Snow Maiden will be performed in the Great Hall of the Theatre. This poetic “spring fairy tale” is stylishly designed by a Broadway star, world-famous Set Designer Georgy Tsypin. On March 6, 2024 and April 10, 2024, The Tsar’s Bride will be performed, directed by Vyacheslav Starodubtsev. In this opera drama, truth and fiction, history and fantasy are closely intertwined. On March 10, 2024 and May 19, 2024, the audience will encounter with The Tale of Tsar Saltan, a cheerful opera for the whole family, full of musical miracles and bright scenery, in an updated production by Ekaterina Malaya.
On April 21, 2024, the grandiose “Rimsky-Korsakov – 180” concert will come as the culmination of the anniversary events. The program includes the symphonic suite Scheherazade, where the “Eastern” theme so beloved by Russian composers, starting with Glinka, has received its wonderful embodiment. The work inspired by the images from the famous collection of Arabian folktales One Thousand and One Nights, consists of four movements and subtly conveys the rich flavor of the East. The guest soloist of the evening is Honored Artist of Russia, first violin of the legendary Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Lev Klychkov.
