The Most Iconic Opera Houses In Russia

A visit to Russia is not complete without a trip to the opera. Russia boasts a number of famous opera houses – some located in lesser known cities – that have a spectacular repertoire from both Russian and international composers. Here’s the ones you shouldn’t miss when in town.

1. Bolshoi Theatre

Building, Theatre, Theater

The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the renowned imperial theatres and a landmark building in Moscow. The theatre was built at the start of the 19th century, opening with a ballet performance. Recently, it was closed for renovation for six years, reopening in 2011 after careful restoration. Although the Bolshoi started as a ballet theatre, there are a number of operas in the repertoire ranging from Russian composers’ works, such as Boris Godunov, A Life for the Tsar to many productions from western composers.

2. Mariinsky Theatre

Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the most recognised concert halls in the world. It was created as a stage for the imperial ballet and opera troupe that previously performed only in small venues. This stage, at the time of construction, was the largest in the world. The Mariinsky is closely connected to the history of Russian opera, as many famous productions of Russian composers premiered here for the first time. These works include those of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Mikhail Glinka, Modest Mussorgsky and Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov.

3. Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre

Opera House, Theatre

Although Perm is not the most visited city in Russia, its opera house is one of the oldest in the country. It was founded on the donations of the citizens of the city. It now holds the name of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, since the famous composer was born in the region. The theatre is sometimes referred to as ‘Tchaikovsky House’. Among the operas that premiered in the theatre were a number of modern works as well as five based on works by poet Alexander Pushkin.

5. Rostov State Musical Theatre

Building, Theater

It is considered that this musical theatre was born after the revolution, in 1919. It first started off with a very progressive repertoire, staging musicals and rock operas based on works by Russian and international artists. At the start of the 21st century, the theatre found a new home in a larger building, but also changed its status, expanding to have a ballet and an opera troupe. Now there is a broad selection of classical opera and ballet pieces staged here, maintaining the theatre’s title of the musical centre in Russia’s south.

6. Chuvash Opera and Ballet Theatre

Theatre

The Chuvash Opera and Ballet Theatre began its creative work staging a local opera, Shivarman, in 1960 and then other Chuvash operas in later years. The theatre troupe has also successfully undertaken classical opera pieces, such as Eugene Onegin, The Barber of Seville and others. The theatre developed a prominent repertoire in the following decades when more students from the State Conservatory started joining the troupe. In 1993, the theatre was given the highest honour of being named a state theatre.

7. Samara Opera and Ballet Theatre

Building, Theatre

The Samara Opera and Ballet Theatre had its first performance in 1931, staging the opera of Modest Mussorgsky, Boris Godunov. Since then, it has continued to accumulate a respectable selection of classical pieces in its repertoire, but also doesn’t overlook the works of contemporary artists. The theatre is well respected in the country and has toured Russia on a number occasions, bringing its shows to the capital. The building of the theatre is a prominent example of Soviet architecture that underwent reconstruction work in 2010 to preserve the historic site.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.