Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Bulvar
LONELY PLANET / GETTY IMAGES ©
Performing Arts
The classical performing arts are one of Moscow's biggest attractions. Highly acclaimed,
professional artists stage productions in elegant theatres around the city, most of which have
been recently revamped and look marvellous.
OPERA & BALLET
Nobody has ever complained about a shortage of Russian classics at the opera and ballet.
Take your pick from Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov or one of the other great
Russian composers, and you are guaranteed to find him on the playbill at one of the major
theatres. The choreography and staging of these classics is usually pretty traditional (some
might even say uninventive), but then again, that's why they're classics. If you tire of the
traditional, keep your eye out for more modern productions and premieres that are also
staged by some local companies.
The largest opera and ballet company in the city - and the most celebrated - is the
Bolshoi. The repertoire of this world-famous company is mostly classical, with choreo-
graphy in the style of Balanchine and Petipa. In recent years, the Bolshoi has premiered
many new works. After an extensive five-year renovation, the historic stage at the Bolshoi
Theatre reopened in 2011 to much fanfare.
A sort of rival to the Bolshoi is the Stanislavsky & Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical
Theatre, which is approaching its centennial in 2019. In addition to its classical repertoire,
this prominent company has staged ground-breaking ballets and avant-garde operas in re-
cent years.
There are a slew of younger opera and ballet companies around the city. For experiment-
al, contemporary fare, check out the ground-breaking New Ballet, performing in a small
theatre in Basmanny.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
It's not unusual to see highly talented musicians working the crowds inside the metro sta-
tions, often violinists single-handedly performing Vivaldi's
Four Seasons
and flautists
whistling away at Mozart or Bach. While it's possible to hear a good show in the metro sta-
tion, a visit to one of the local orchestra halls is highly recommended.
Founded in 1922, the city's oldest and most prestigious symphony orchestra is Moscow
Philharmonic Society, which performs at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, as well as the Great
