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