The Mariinsky Theatre is to present three operas in Moscow

This week, Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Opera and Orchestra will be appearing at the Zaryadye concert hall in the Russian capital. Over three evenings – 19, 20 and 21 February – there will be performances of the operas Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg by Wagner (Act III), Macbeth by Verdi and Turandot by Puccini. Renowned Mariinsky Theatre singers and guest stars have been engaged for the performances, among them Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Irina Churilova, Ildar Abdrazakov, Yusif Eyvazov, Vladislav Sulimsky, Sergei Skorokhodov, Roman Burdenko and Mikhail Petrenko.

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg is the only one of Wagner's mature operas not as yet in the repertoire of the Mariinsky Theatre. The ensemble first began studying the score of this latest work when still in lockdown, and in August and October Valery Gergiev presented a concert performance of Acts I and III of the opera in St Petersburg. As with Tannhäuser, here the plot centres on a singers' competition, and the protagonist is also a lyrical personality – the poet and singer Hans Sachs who lived in the 16^th century. The lyrical line in the opera follows the love of the young knight Walther for Eva, the daughter of a goldsmith. The lengthy monologues and ensembles of Die Meistersinger afford a glimpse of Wagner's scale: the entire opera lasts over four hours. In Moscow Act II is to be performed. The concert offers a rare opportunity to hear the music of Die Meistersinger performed live.

The opera Macbeth, composed by Verdi as a young man, has long been in the repertoire of Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Theatre: since 2001 it has been performed at the historic theatre. A semi-staged version is being taken to Moscow. The lead roles are to be performed by outstanding singers of the Verdian repertoire at the Mariinsky: mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Semenchuk (Lady Macbeth) and baritone Vladislav Sulimsky (Macbeth). The role of Banco is to be performed by Ildar Abdrazakov.

The tour will conclude with a concert performance of Puccini's opera Turandot with Anna Netrebko in the title role. She will be singing the role for the first time in Russia, and for the first time with the finale by Franco Alfano. Yusif Eyvazov will be performing the role of Calaf and Irina Churilova that of Liù. The same cast will be appearing in Charles Roubaud's production, to be seen by the Mariinsky Theatre audience on 25 February.