Travel to Russia and visit the Bolshoi Theatre – one of the world's most renowned theaters

As an iconic landmark of Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre has weathered many challenges. To this day, it remains a favorite performance destination for tourists visiting Russia.

Travelers to Russia often include the Bolshoi Theatre in their itinerary. The Bolshoi Theatre, meaning 'grand' or 'magnificent,' is closely associated with the Maly Theatre, which means 'small' or 'little.' While the Bolshoi specializes in opera and ballet, the Maly focuses on theatrical plays. The theatre was originally built in 1776 by Prince Pyotr Ouroussoff and the Englishman Michael Maddox. However, the original structure was destroyed during the French invasion of Moscow in 1812. The current theatre stands proudly in Theatre Square.

The Bolshoi Theatre was established as a private theatre for the Moscow prosecutor, Prince Peter Urusov. It was intended to host performances, masquerades, and other events. Performers were gathered from various places, including children from orphanages. Moscow State University played a significant role in training members of the theatre troupe.

After a fire in 1780, the theatre reopened on Petrovka Street under the name Petrovsky Theatre. By the early 19th century, the Petrovsky Theatre began its transformation into a grand and opulent venue. Its artists were trained at the Moscow Imperial Ballet School. In 1820, construction of an entirely new theatre began.

Finally, the 'Bolshoi Petrovsky' opened its doors on January 6, 1825. The Neoclassical-style building of the Bolshoi Petrovsky reflects the wonders that take place within. The theatre's façade faces Teatralnaya Square, and atop its portico stands a statue of Apollo, the god of music, dance, and poetry.

At present, the Bolshoi Theatre's performances primarily focus on opera and ballet. Works by numerous Russian and European composers have been showcased from the mid-19th to the 20th century. By the late 20th century, Bolshoi performances had gained significant influence across the Western world.

The Bolshoi Theatre continued its operations throughout the Soviet era, featuring both classical Russian and foreign performances, often adjusted to align with ideological standards. Notable Soviet works performed at the Bolshoi include Shostakovich's opera 'Lady Macbeth of Mtensk' and Khachaturian's ballet 'Spartacus.'

In 2002, a new stage was established to continue the Bolshoi Theatre's activities during its extensive reconstruction. The theatre finally reopened to Russian tourists on October 28, 2011, with an exclusive concert attended by Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev.

Recognizing the artistic and historical significance of the Bolshoi Theatre, a museum was established in 1918 to display its collections. Today, the museum houses over 200,000 artifacts, including stage programs, posters, set designs, props, costumes, and autographed photos. Tourists visiting Russia can explore the museum to gain deeper insights into the theatre's legacy.

According to Mytour.vn

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour.vn