From the very outset of its existence the Bolshoi Theater was in the center of Moscow cultural life. The State Academic Bolshoi Theater is one of the oldest in the capital of Russia. It was constructed at the beginning of the 19th century and officially opened in 1825. According to the opinions of the contemporaries, the theater was the best in Europe. The troupe of actors that was invited to perform on the stage of the theater formed earlier, in 1776, and that year is recognized as the year of the theater's foundation.
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The Mariinsky Theater, named in honor of Maria Fedorovna, the wife of Emperor Alexander II, was built by architect Cavos in 1859-1860. The building was constructed on Teatralnaya Square, and since then the square was recognized as the center of the cultural life of Saint Petersburg. The hall of the Mariinsky Theater is one of the most beautiful in the world. It is decorated with splendid three-circled chandelier and vivid plafond, designed by master Frachioli, famous curtain by Alexander Golovin, and gilded decorations and statues.
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Originally St. Petersburg Mussorgsky State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater was called Mikhailovsky in honor of Emperor Nicolas I's brother. The permanent troupe of actors appeared only after the Social Revolution. That's when the theater got its own style and aesthetic credo. The theater attracted the audience with its unusual performances, as its actors were always searching for the new ways of performing. On the stage of the theater premieres of the operas by Prokofiev and Shostakovich took place.
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St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonic named after D. D. Shostakovich is the oldest in Russia. It is two hundred years old. The history of the Philharmonic goes back to 1802 when St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society, the first one in Europe, was created. Nowadays St. Petersburg Philharmonic consists of the two concert halls, famous all over the world for wonderful acoustics and beautiful interiors. The Philharmonic concerts are held in the Grand Hall, which is the former building of the Assembly of the Noble, and in the Small Hall, which is the former Engelgardt House.
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The Hermitage Theater, the oldest building of the Winter Palace Complex, was built on the site of the former Winter Palace of Peter I in 1711-1723. The theater itself was built later - in 1783-85 to the design by Gakomo Quarenghi and finished in 1802. The theater building is connected with the main palace by an arch over "Zimniaya Kanavka", the canal between the Moika River and the Neva River. The facade and hall decoration of the Hermitage Theater is unique and represents a classical masterpiece of palace architecture of the XVIII-th century.
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The walls of the carefully restored Nikolaevsky Palace that was constructed in 1861 by famous architect Andrey Stakenshneider for Emperor Nikolay I's son Grand Duke Nikolay preserve the memory of the more than century city's history. Its lavishly decorated halls have witnessed the daily life of the Grand Duke's family as well as the meetings and celebrations of the Soviet authorities. Nowadays the Nikolayevsky Palace regularly plays venue for the bright folklore shows comprised of the best folk companies' performances and held in the Concert Hall (the former ballroom) of the Palace.
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The Bolshoi State Saint Petersburg Circus located in Fontanka River Embankment was opened on the 26th of December, 1877. It was designed by architect Vasiliy Kenel and became the first stone circus in Russia. The magnificent building decorated with sculptural compositions was considered to be one of the best circus constructions in Europe. The arena of the circus witnessed splendid performances by the world-famous clowns, gymnasts, animal trainers and jugglers.
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