Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trious music school - opposite the Mariinsky - was the first public music school in
Russia. Founded in 1862, it counts Pyotr Tchaikovsky among its alumni and Nikolai
Rimsky-Korsakov among its former faculty. Dmitry Shostakovich and Sergei
Prokofiev are graduates of this institution, as are countless contemporary artistic fig-
ures, such as Mariinsky director Valery Gergiev. The Bolshoy Zal (Big Hall) on the
3rd floor is an excellent place to see the performances by up-and-coming musicians,
which take place throughout the academic year, while the Maly Zal (Small Hall) often
hosts free concerts from present students and alumni; check when you're in town for
what's on.
MMUSIC
SICAL THE
AL THEATRE
TRE
FEEL YOURSELF RUSSIAN
Admiralteyskaya)
Terrible title, but not a bad show of traditional Russian folk dancing
and music. The two-hour show features four different folk groups, complete with ac-
cordion, balalaika and Cossack dancers. It is worth attending to get a look inside the
spectacular Nikolayevsky Palace, if nothing else.
SHOPPING
SSOUVENIR
VENIRS
MARIINSKY ART SHOP
days, also open during interval; Sadovaya)
Opera and ballet lovers will delight at the
theatre-themed souvenirs for sale in the Mariinsky gift shop. None of it is cheap, but
where else can you get a 'Property of Kirov Ballet' T-shirt? Also on sale: a compre-
hensive collection of CDs, DVDs, books and posters that you won't find elsewhere.
FOOD & DRINK
OD & DRINK
BEE-KEEPING
