Shevchenko National Opera House of Ukraine
The official name of the theatre is “The Taras Shevchenko National Opera House of Ukraine”. It is one of the oldest theatres in the country and its history is much older than the building itself. The first permanent opera company was organized in Kiev in 1867; it was the third one after the Russian capital St. Petersburg and Moscow. Performances were conducted in Russian and Polish, from time to time Italian troops came to Kiev on short tours. Famous singers such as Shaliapin, Sobinov, Battistini, Ruffo, drama actors Ira Old ridge and Sara Bernar performed here, Rachmaninov used to conduct in this theatre and Tchaikovsky attended the premiers. Unfortunately in February of 1896 the building got fire and was burnt down to cinder. The Kievans who were big music admirers demanded from the city government to build a new theatre as soon as possible. As it turned out, they had to wait for 5 years. About thirty architects from Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France and Italy participated in the contest for the project. On the 25th of February, 1897, the results of the competition were announced - the winner was Academician Victor Shreter from St. Petersburg. The grant for construction was given to the famous Kiev architect Vladimir Nikolaev. In 1898 the construction works commenced under his supervision. It was planned to finish the building in two years. However, it was only on the 16th of September, 1901 the long-waited opening took place.
Enjoy More than 50 operas and ballets
Its exterior and interior have preserved almost intact, only some additional premises were built in 1936 and some renovations took place in 1984-1987. The spectators can admire the Venetian mirrors, gilding, bronze, patterned stucco of walls and ceilings, marble stairways and mosaic floors; elegant velvet armchairs and subtle Viennese lamps; a queen-lamp in the middle of the patterned ceiling. To-day the theatre has a hall for 1304 people, its orchestra pit houses 100 musicians. It is a real Temple of Muses of theatre and ballet art. More than 50 operas and ballets are in the theatre repertoire. You will enjoy the masterpieces of Rossini, Donizetti, Gounod, Cimarosa, Puccini, Ravel, Bizet, Tchaikovskyi, Mussorgskyi, Prokofiev and many others. Some of our singers have been trained in Italy and dancers are graduates from the best choreographic schools of St. Petersburg and Moscow. The theatre got recognition not only in Kiev and Ukraine, it toured all over the world: France, Canada, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Hungary, USA, Portugal, Spain, India…The actors got numerous awards at different international theatrical festivals. The performances are affordable; in comparison to world prices the tickets are quite cheap. Come and enjoy!
