Today, on 22 May, the Mariinsky Theatre opens the XXXIII Music Festival Stars of the White Nights with a grand celebration. Year after year the festival draws the attention of audiences from around the world who cherish musical and theatrical art. Stars of the White Nights remains one of the most prominent and anticipated cultural events of the Mariinsky Theatre – the culmination of its entire season. This year’s festival runs from 22 May to 3 August, with events scheduled across all of the theatre’s St Petersburg stages

The Mariinsky Theatre mourns the passing of the legendary choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, who died today at the age of 98. With his departure, an entire era in the history of ballet draws to a close. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this time of profound sorrow

On 22 May one of the most anticipated premieres in recent years will take place on the New Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre: Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece Norma will finally receive its long-awaited stage production. The production is directed by the renowned stage director Sergey Novikov. The grand premiere of Norma will formally open the XXXIII Music Festival Stars of the White Nights, the theatre’s most important annual event and the highlight of the season. Further performances will follow on 23 and 24 May (at 13:00 and 19:00)

On 14 May the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre will present the premiere of a new production of Modest Musorgsky’s comic opera Sorochintsy Fair. Directed and choreographed by Ilya Ustyantsev, the staging features sets by Yekaterina Malinina, costumes by Maria Sedykh and lighting by Vadim Brodsky. The production is conducted by Valery Gergiev

On 20 April the Mariinsky Ballet Company will perform for the first time at the Erik Sapaev Mari State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre in Yoshkar-Ola. This landmark appearance will serve as the official opening of the All-Russian Competition for Ballet Artists and Choreographers. Audiences will be treated to an evening of celebrated one-act ballets by Michel Fokine: Chopiniana, Le Spectre de la rose, The Dying Swan and Scheherazade, performed by leading soloists of the Mariinsky Theatre