A joint festival is planned by the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters to mark the 180th anniversary of composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The two iconic institutions will coordinate exchanges and present performances across both venues, culminating in a shared event held in Rimsky-Korsakov’s homeland, Tikhvin. The organizers outlined several program highlights and dates for the coming season.
During the festival, audiences can look forward to a series of exchange performances between the Bolshoi and Mariinsky stages, plus a collaborative program that showcases Russias two leading theaters in a single celebration of Rimsky-Korsakov’s legacy. The festival’s announcements emphasize cross-city performances and a balanced showcase of repertoire from both institutions.
In January, the New Stage of the Bolshoi Theater will host the first performances of The Story of Tsar Saltan on January 4, 5, and 6, alongside Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera based on a fairy tale at the Mariinsky Theatre. Alexander Pushkin99s original work of the same name will be presented on January 3. The St. Petersburg stage also plans to stage The Night Before Christmas on January 7, followed by Tales of the Invisible City Kitezh and the Girl Fevronia on January 16 and 23. The Tsars Bride will be staged at the Bolshoi Historical Stage on February 20 and 21.
The Mariinsky troupe will perform at the Bolshoi Theatre from February 23 to 25, opening with Pskov Woman paired with the preface Boyaryna Vera Sheloga. All performances during this segment will be directed by the theater3s artistic leader Valery Gergiev. In turn, the Bolshoi Theatre will present The Tsars Bride on the Mariinsky stage on February 27, 28, and 29.
Earlier reports note that Russian television channels are adjusting their New Year programming, with a notable shift away from foreign films during the holiday window. The festival therefore holds particular significance as a celebration of a national musical heritage across two of Russia0s most prestigious houses, with implications for audiences in North America who follow international opera and ballet programming.