Mariinsky theater. Photo: RIA Novosti
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has congratulated the artists and Trustees of the Mariinsky Theater on the theater’s 150 year anniversary. The theater building, designed by architect Albert Kavos, was constructed in 1860 on the site of another burned down theater.
The new theater was named Mariinsky in honor of the Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II. The first theater season in the new building opened on October 2, 1860 with a performance of “Life for the Tsar” by Glinka. Russia's prime minister arrived Saturday night to see "Swan Lake" and met with members of the Board of Trustees of the Mariinsky Theatre.