Mikhaylovsky Theatre

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Mikhaylovsky Theatre (Mikhailovsky, as stated on the official website) is one of the oldest opera and ballet houses in Russia. It was founded in 1833. The Mikhaylovsky Theatre is situated in the historical building on the Arts Square in St. Petersburg. In 2007 Yelena Obraztsova was appointed Artistic Director of Mikhailovsky opera, Farouk Ruzimatov started his work as an Artistic Director of Mikhailovsky ballet in 2007 also.

[edit] History

Before 1917 Revolution the Mikhailovsky did not have his own company: performances were made either by French company, hired by Russian Imperial Theatres, or by the Mariinsky Theatre and Aleksandrinsky Theatre companies. When Bolscheviks took power, French company was forced to leave Russia. Shortly after the Mikhailovsky changed the name to Maly Operny. New management and artists followed. In 1920-1930 Maly Operny established as one of leading experimental stages in Russia, new musical theatre. Shostakovich made his debut at the Maly Operny, Samuil Samosud conducted at world premiere performances of Shostakovich's The Nose and Lady Macbeth of the Mtsenk District, famous Vsevolod Meyerhold production of The Queen of Spades was staged there, world premiere of Prokofiev's epic opera War and Peace took place on former Mikhailovsky stage on June, 12 1946.

[edit] Recent development

In 2007 Russian businessman Vladimir Kekhman sensationally was appointed as a General Director of Theatre. Russian theatre usually is managed by an artistic person, there is no tradition to make clear difference between artistic and administrative management. Thus Kekhman's effort to build effective organisational structure at the Mikhailovsky received controversial reviews from media. However, when Mr Kekhman donated 1bn roubles for renovation of the building and invited Elena Obraztsova and Farouk Ruzimatov to coordinate the artistic revival of the Mikhailovsky, public opinion changed drastically^{[citation needed]}. The Mikhailovsky Ballet is to make London debut in July 2008 on the London Coliseum stage.