Accompanied by artistic director Valery Gergiev, the President toured the theatre’s main hall, rehearsal studios and auxiliary facilities.
The new Mariinsky Theatre building is fitted with complex modern equipment. The main stage can simultaneously hold sets for four different shows. The theater includes a main stage, a rehearsal area and a back stage that can be joined together or used separately, depending on the nature of the show and its technical requirements. The auditorium is designed to meet rigorous acoustic requirements and seats up to two thousand people.
Vladimir Putin attended the gala concert honouring the opening of the new facility, which was followed by a celebratory reception. The President once again congratulated Valery Gergiev on his birthday.
Before starting the official opening ceremony, the President held a meeting with members of the Mariinsky Theatre’s Board of Trustees.