Valery Gergiev will conduct a symphony orchestra at the Mariinsky Theatre as the XXXI International Stars of the White Nights Festival opens. The performance, led by the renowned maestro, marks a key moment in the festival’s inaugural program. Gergiev is poised to take the podium as artistic director for the opening night, with a schedule that showcases a blend of cherished Russian repertory and contemporary stagecraft. The opening ceremony is set for May 27, beginning a week of concerts, ballets, and opera that celebrates the festival’s storied history. [DEA News]
On the same date, the festival features multiple events designed to welcome audiences to a season of artistic discovery. Gergiev will present a one-act lyric opera by Tchaikovsky, Iolanta, performed on the historic stage of the theatre. The production brings together a distinguished cast, including Irina Churilova, Sergei Skorokhodov, Alexei Markov, Stanislav Trofimov, and Vladislav Sulimsky. The revival of this beloved opera emphasizes the theatre’s long tradition of intimate, character-driven storytelling. [DEA News]
Also on the opening night, the Pharaoh’s Daughter ballet, choreographed by Marius Petipa, will be staged on the new stage. Leading performers Vladimir Shklyarov, Renata Shakirova, and Victoria Tereshkina are slated to take the stage, delivering a production that blends classical technique with contemporary expressiveness. The choice of this ballet mirrors the festival’s interest in pairing historic repertoire with modern interpretations. [DEA News]
Earlier in his career, Gergiev helped launch Tchaikovsky’s Country, a cultural and educational project that reflects his commitment to broader audience engagement and the education of younger generations through music. This initiative underscores a broader mission to celebrate Russian music while inviting audiences around the world to discover its enduring relevance. [DEA News]