This theatre and the companies that share its name are synonymous with Russian artistic excellence – among the oldest and most respected opera and ballet companies in the world, but the name Bolshoi actually means 'grand', implying that these are the grand theatres showing the 'grand arts'.

Unlike other, similarly great and ancient theatrical institutions, the Bolshoi started with ballet – most of them seem to start with opera – in 1776, before, in 1780, it took over the Petrovka Theatre and began producing plays and operas as well.

The current Bolshoi Theatre – which you can take a backstage tour of today – dates from 1824. It opened in 1825 with a performance of the Russian ballet 'Cendrillon', and it was the site of premieres of works by Tchaikovsky – including 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker' – Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet', and Rachmaninoff.

Refurbishment may scupper the dreams of some visitors, who may have to see their performance of choice in next door neighbour, the New Bolshoi. Some visitors may also be surprised at the prices asked – they're more similar to what you pay in the large European opera houses than in Russian ones – especially for the ballets – but the reputation is immense.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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