President of the Russian Federation congratulates the theatre on its 180th anniversary
The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, congratulated the Mikhailovsky Theatre on its 180th anniversary. His message was read out on stage before the start of the gala concert held on 27 October:
To the members of the Mikhailovsky Theatre and all those taking part in special events marking the 180th anniversary of the Mikhailovsky Theatre.
Dear friends,
Greetings and congratulations on the 180th anniversary of the Mikhailovsky Theatre.
Today is a special day, and a real reason to celebrate the cultural life of St. Petersburg, and of the country as a whole. Throughout its history, this theatre has staged high-profile premieres and truly unforgettable productions. It has welcomed outstanding composers, musicians, conductors, artists, and teachers, all of who have made an invaluable contribution to the growth of opera and ballet in this country through their enlightened artistic ideas and commitment to the arts.
Today, as ever, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is an illustrious institution, attracting both renowned masters and those just beginning a career in the arts. The Mikhailovsky Grand Prix, a large-scale and influential project, is devoted to this essential aim — the nurturing of young talent. This competition brings dance school students together and gives them an incredible opportunity to perform in your theatre, to experience its unique atmosphere, and to believe in themselves. After all, it is these young artists who, in the near future, must continue the legendary traditions of Russian culture and uphold its high reputation.
I have no doubt that your theatre will continue to ably serve these noble cultural ideals and to provide artistic, spiritual, and moral leadership.
I wish you every success and inspiration, and look forward to new productions. Once more — congratulations!
Mikhailovsky Theatre today
In 2001, the Mikhailovsky Theatre got its original name back. Year 2007 witnessed the revival of the Mikhailovsky Theatre; its magnificence came back to Arts Square. Nowadays, the Theatre both keeps traditions and introduces innovations.
General Director of the Theatre Vladimir Kekhman initiated and sponsored the repair works in the building. Under Vladimir Kekhman a constellation of famous artists appeared in the theatre: Elena Obraztsova became the head of the Mikhailovsky Opera, Farukh Ruzimatov took the lead of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Company.
In May 2009, Mikhail Messerer , the outstanding ballet repetiteur, took up the position of Ballet Mater in Chief. Since 1 December 2011 he has been appointed Principal Guest Ballet Master.
In June 2009, the Mikhailovsky Theatre started its cooperation with Peter Feranec who in 2009-2011 was holding the position of Musical Director and Principal Conductor of the Theatre.
On 1 January 2011 the new Artistic Director of the Mikhailovsky Ballet, the famous Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato took the lead of the company.
Nowadays Farukh Ruzimatov and Elena Obraztsova continue their cooperation with the Mikhailovsky Theatre as Artistic Advisors to General Director of the Mikhailovsky Theatre.
Famous ballet répétiteurs such as Nikita Dolgushin, Alla Osipenko, Evgeny Popov, and Svetlana Efremova among many others are responsible for the quality of the current repertoire.
Leading ballet masters of Europe and America such as Natalia Makarova, Jennifer Goubé, Gilbert Mayer, and Cyril Atanasoff hold master classes at the theatre.
The priorities of the repertoire policy of the Mikhailovsky Theatre are classical masterpieces of Russian and European musical theatre. The Mikhailovsky Theatre maintains the policy of introducing the public to the major opera and ballet works of the 19th and 20th century. Special attention is paid to expanding children repertoire.
