The Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg was created to amuse the imperial family. It has a rich history: the theater has experienced several ups and downs, famous Russian and foreign conductors, composers and artists have performed on its stage. At present, the Mikhailovsky Theater combines performances of timeless classics and contemporary art in its repertoire.
Location
Where is the Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg? It is located in the central part of the city, not far from the Nevsky Prospect and Gostiny Dvor metro stations, at the intersection of Inzhenernaya Street and the Griboedov Canal Embankment. The actual address of the theater: Arts Square, building 1.
Mikhailovsky Theatre, St. Petersburg: history
The classical building of the Mikhailovsky Theater was created in the first half of the 19th century by decree of the All-Russian Emperor Nicholas I. The theater building was designed by the famous Russian artist and architect Alexander Pavlovich Bryullov. It harmoniously fits into the composition of Mikhailovskayasquare, which is now called Place des Arts. The ensemble of the square was designed by the Russian architect of Italian origin Karl Ivanovich Rossi. The Mikhailovsky Theater was built exclusively for the entertainment of the imperial family, and mainly French, sometimes German troupes performed on the stage, the performances of which attracted the entire aristocratic society.
In the second half of the 19th century, the building of the Mikhailovsky Theater was reconstructed under the supervision of a Russian architect of Italian origin, Albert Katerinovich Kavos. He was widely known precisely for the construction of theaters. According to his instructions, the size of the hall was increased, elements of the Baroque style were introduced. It was thanks to him that the interiors of the Mikhailovsky Theater acquired a grandiose and majestic look, which has survived to this day and continues to delight and delight visitors.
The photo of the Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg, which shows the auditorium, you see above.
In the first half of the 20th century, the Great October Socialist Revolution broke out, which marked the beginning of the Civil War. Foreigners urgently left the borders of our country. During this troubled time, the theater management had to gather a new troupe and create a repertoire.
After the advent of Soviet power, the Mikhailovsky Theater began a slow period of decline.
Mikhailovsky Theater today
The Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg unexpectedly came to life in 2007. At this time, the director of the theater administrationcity was appointed a man without any artistic education, businessman Vladimir Abramovich Kekhman. The new theatrical figure unexpectedly very actively engaged in patronage, namely, the restoration of the theater building. Under his competent leadership, the Mikhailovsky Theater renovated its interiors, but the style was not lost. The reconstruction process was carried out with skill, for example, all antiques were preserved in their original form, and the new parquet was artificially aged. As a result, Vladimir Kekhman spent about 500 million rubles on the renovation of the theater.
Above is a photo of the hall of the Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg after reconstruction.
The innovations didn't end there. A successful businessman is actively involved in the artistic life of the theater. With his light hand, foreign celebrities began to come to the Mikhailovsky Theater to conduct master classes, and significant positions of artistic directors of the ballet and opera troupe were occupied by such well-known people in the art world as Farukh Sadullaevich Ruzimatov and Elena Vasilievna Obraztsova. Even now, they continue to cooperate with the theater in the role of advisers.
A real commotion in the world of art was caused by the fact that the famous Spaniard Nacho Duato will become the choreographer of the Mikhailovsky Theatre. Under his leadership, several ballets were staged, among which Prelude, Without Words, Sleeping Beauty and many others occupy a prominent place.
Currentlythe entire repertoire of the Mikhailovsky Theater is a mix of timeless classics and the latest trends in the art world.
Personality of the theater director
Vladimir Abramovich Kekhman is a colorful and ambiguous personality. After his appointment as director of the Mikhailovsky Theater (St. Petersburg), the media was full of information about his extravagant statements and development plans, which included bringing the theater to self-sufficiency. All this shocked not only theater workers, but also connoisseurs of the art of St. Petersburg.
From publicly available sources it is known that before his appointment, V. A. Kekhman was successfully importing fruits to our country. In 2012, the whole world heard about him thanks to the scandalous bankruptcy process of the company and the subsequent lawsuit for fraud on a large scale. Despite obvious problems with the law, the city administration extended his contract for another five years. Vladimir Kekhman was also appointed director of the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet.
B. A. Kekhman is a deeply religious person. His wife Ida is also engaged in theatrical activities. They are raising their daughter Anastasia together.
Famous representatives of the theater troupe
Among the representatives of the theater troupe, the most famous are Mikhail Tatarnikov (music director and artistic director of the orchestra), Mikhail Messerer (artistic director of the ballet and chief choreographer of the theater), Paata Burchuladze (artistic director of the opera), VladimirStolpovskikh (choir conductor, Honored Artist of Russia), Vyacheslav Okunev (chief artist), Nacho Duato (permanent guest choreographer).
As a result, thanks to the talented leadership, imagination and artistic flair of these gifted people, the Mikhailovsky Theater is now a real pearl of the Northern capital.
Excursion to the Mikhailovsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
Currently, the Mikhailovsky Theater invites everyone to tours. The museum, which is located on the second tier of the building, deserves special attention. Your attention will be presented to the old posters, photographs of famous conductors, dancers, directors, singers who worked in the theater at different times. You will also see rehearsal plans and learn many interesting historical facts.
After that, a professional guide will take you backstage of the theater - a whole world with many stairs and passages. There you will visit dressing rooms, rehearsal classes and a prop shop with many incredible costumes and attributes, which is located on the top tier of the building. Your personal guide will give you the opportunity to enter the theater stage and ascend to the royal box.
Children's subscriptions to the Mikhailovsky Theater
At the moment, children's subscriptions to the Mikhailovsky Theater (St. Petersburg) are in unprecedented demand, which are held in the small hall under the names "Land of the Orchestra and" Journey to the backstage. "The subscription provides for the possibility of accompanying the child by one of the parents. Performancesare original performances of children's fairy tales, as well as an introduction to opera and ballet. Children will be introduced to musical instruments, with the characters of opera and ballet, and at the end there will be a performance of the opera "The Giant" by S. S. Prokofiev.
Currently, the theater is expanding its season ticket program, thanks to which "Maintenance" has appeared on sale. These performances take place mainly on weekends and offer young viewers fairy tales "Cinderella", "Corsair", "Cipollino" and others.
Reviews about visiting the theater
All visitors to the theater are delighted with the grandiose interiors of the Mikhailovsky Theater in St. Petersburg and the rich history of this place. Special attention deserves the fact that when you buy a ticket for a concert, you can visit the theater museum for free.
Backstage tours are in great demand, where you can feel at the very center of the events of the art world and learn more about the theater figures who at different times took part in the artistic life of the theater.
Children's subscriptions teach the little ones to the art of the theater, which affects the education of artistic taste.
