Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
286
would through your hotel, but you're still stuck with the 370 ruble “tourist fee” on top
of each ticket for foreigners. Primarily Russian composers and performers are featured.
3 Teatralnaya Sq.
&
812/312-2507.
Metro: Mayakovskaya.
Shostakovich Philharmonic
This is an unforgettable place to hear symphonies,
solo piano concerts, international festivals, and competitions, featuring music by both
Russian and international composers. It holds two halls, the Grand and the smaller
Glinka. The Grand Hall is home to the St. Petersburg Philharmonic but shares its stage
with visiting performers. Both halls boast ornate and intricate interiors and superb acous-
tics, though they're in need of renovation. The building itself contributes to the elegant
ensemble of the Square of the Arts.
2 Mikhailovskaya St.
&
812/710-4257.
www.philharmonia.
spb.ru. Ticket desk open 11am-8pm. Metro: Gostiny Dvor.
Smolny Cathedral and Convent
The acoustics of the central cathedral in what
was once an elite convent make for unforgettable organ and chamber music concerts.
They're staged several nights a week at varying times; some start in mid- or late after-
noon. See p. 256 for more details on the Smolny complex.
3/1 Rastrelli Sq.
&
812/577-1421.
Metro: Chernyshevskaya.
State Academic Kapella
Housed in a classical building just across the canal
from Palace Square, this music academy houses a renowned chorus and symphony
orchestra. It hosts international music festivals, including excellent organ festivals. In
2005, it underwent a much-needed renovation of its 18th-century stage and practice
halls.
20 Moika Embankment.
&
812/314-1058.
Ticket desk open noon-7pm. Metro: Nevsky
Prospekt.
16
OPERA
Mariinsky Theater
The city's premier opera and dance venue has a repertoire includ-
ing international favorites such as
The Marriage of Figaro
and
Carmen
performed in their
original languages, as well as Russian favorites
Sadko
(a colorful and whimsical interpreta-
tion of a Russian fairy tale) and Mussorgsky's historical opera
Boris Godunov,
about the
family dramas and tumultuous politics of 16th- and 17th-century Russia. See the listing
under “Dance” above. Closed late July to early September. Shows on weekends at
11:30am, 4, 8pm; weekdays 7pm.
1 Sq. of the Arts (Ploshchad Isskustv).
&
812/326-4141.
Metro: Gostiny Dvor.
Mussorgsky Theater
(aka Maly Theater) A recommended place to see and hear
strong performances of international and Russian opera classics, especially if you can't get
tickets to the Mariinsky. Operas are performed in their original languages and sets are
elaborate. Ballet tickets run near double those of the ballet tickets. Best to buy them in
advance (ticket desk open 10am-showtime) to avoid last-minute price hikes, especially
Beyond the White Nights
Some festivals to watch out for during the off season include the
Autumn Mara-
thon Jazz Festival
in October, run by the city Jazz Philharmonic; the
White Days
festival in January, with performances at all the major ballet and concert halls;
and the
New Year's Festival
of dance and music late December to early January.
