BP and the Mariinsky Theatre agree three-year russian culture tour in UK


BP and the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg’s renowned opera and ballet company, today announced a joint programme that will give music lovers in the United Kingdom the chance to experience the very best of Russian opera, ballet and classical music. BP will provide support for the Mariinsky Opera, Ballet and Orchestra tours to the UK in the three years to 2013.

 

Among planned performances are the Mariinsky Orchestra visit to the BBC Proms in August 2011, the Mariinsky Opera visit to the Edinburgh Festival in September 2011, the Mariinsky Ballet residency at the Royal Opera House in July/August 2011, and the Mariinsky Opera/Orchestra tour to Cardiff, London and Birmingham in Spring 2012. Additional plans are being developed and will be confirmed for 2012 and 2013.

Bob Dudley, BP chief executive, said: “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with the Mariinsky theatre to the UK and to offer European spectators an opportunity to learn more about Russian culture and music art. We believe that this project will contribute to better understanding and cooperation between the UK and Russia.”

Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, said: “The Mariinsky Theatre has enjoyed a very strong relationship with BP in Russia for the last ten years. I am delighted that our partnership is now growing to include the UK and I am very grateful to BP for providing this important opportunity for us to bring a wide range of Mariinsky performances to audiences throughout the UK.”

Notes to editors

About BP
BP is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, serving millions of customers every day in more than 90 countries across six continents. BP’s activities are Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Alternative Energy, its low-carbon energy business. BP is one of the biggest foreign investors in Russia. The company has been operating in Russia since 1990 with activities in oil and gas exploration, refining, lubricants, marine products and trading operations. BP has a 50% interest in TNK-BP (a large Russian oil and gas integrated company). BP has a longstanding programme of supporting the arts in the UK. See www.bp.com/artsandculture

About the Mariinsky Theatre
The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Russia. Founded by decree of Catherine the Great, this year it celebrates its 228th Season. As well as performing a full season schedule in St Petersburg, the Mariinsky Companies under Artistic Director Valery Gergiev annually form the centrepiece of both the Stars of the White Nights Festival in St Petersburg and the Moscow Easter Festival. Invited to perform regularly in the most prestigious arts venues and festivals across the world, the Mariinsky Opera, Ballet and Orchestra are acknowledged as global leaders in their respective art forms and recognised as important cultural ambassadors for Russia.

The Mariinsky Theatre Trust is a registered UK charity. Created by Valery Gergiev in 1993 the Trust combines practical assistance for the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg with organisation of the Mariinsky Companies’ most innovative touring programming in the UK. The Trust has facilitated Mariinsky visits to London’s Royal Opera House, Barbican Centre, London Coliseum, Royal Albert Hall and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Outside London the Trust has arranged Mariinsky performances at the Edinburgh International Festival, Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff) and leading concert halls in Glasgow, Belfast and Birmingham.

Further information:
BP press office: +44 (0)20 7496 4076
BP press office, Moscow: +7 (495) 363-6262
Mariinsky Theatre press office: +7 812 714 4164
Mariinsky Theatre Trust: +44 (0)20 7241 7462

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