National Philharmonic House of Ukraine
The National Philharmonic House of Ukraine started its concert seasons in 1863. Bright pages of the philharmonic activities in Kyiv are connected with the name of Mykola Lysenko who went down in history as the founder of the Ukrainian professional musical culture, brilliant composer and performer, public person devoted to the national idea, promoter of the young gifted musicians and nationally-conscious intelligentsia.
Concert activity of Philharmonic House has gained new bloom after its renewal and reconstruction in 1994. The names of world famous musicians have appeared on its posters: Oleg Krysa, Bogodar Kotorovych, Dmitri Bashkirov, Yurii Bashmet, Eliso Virsaladze, Tatiana Grindenko, Natalia Gutman, Liana Isakadze, Gidon Kremer, Vladimir Krainev, Krzysztof Penderecki, Sergei Stadler, Vladimir Spivakov and many others.
The National Philharmonic House of Ukraine, alongside with its active concert activity aiming broad propaganda of domestic and foreign art, classical heritage, reviving Ukrainian national culture, constantly conducts international contests and festivals (Contest of young pianists of Vladimir Krainev, Contest in memory of Vladimir Horowitz and others). It takes part in national and international artistic projects, presentations, creative reports, in artistic-cultural and public events with participation of leaders of the State and Government, in scientifically-practical conferences, exhibitions etc.
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National Opera House
National Opera Theater is the most spectacular Neo Renaissance building in Kyiv; it combines many epochs and centuries — from golden-domed temples of Kyivan Rus to the rhythm of modern 20th century buildings.
Constructed by Victor Schroeter, the outstanding architect, at the intersection of two busy city roads in 1901, at that time Opera House in Kyiv was the largest opera stage in tsarist Russia. Viktor Schroeter made sure that the building was convenient for both the artists and the audience, while offering its visitors exquisite interiors - fusion of classic style and so-called Viennese modern widely used in the majority of big European cities. Kyiv Opera House keeps delighting its guests with sophisticated interiors, grandeur and luxury. The foyer is decorated with huge Venetian mirrors; marble staircases are illuminated with luxurious porcelain lamps. Bronze, gilding and crystal are all over.
Today the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Taras Shevchenko owns ballet and opera troupes, as well as a symphonic orchestra. The theatre successfully goes on tours to different countries. Repertoire of the theatre includes creations of Lysenko, Chaikovskiy, Borodin, Verdi, Puccini, Adan, Leonсavallo, Rimskiy — Korsakov, Mussorgsky and many other world-known composers.
Kyiv National Academic Theatre of Operetta
Kyiv National Academic Theatre of Operetta (Kyiv Operetta Theater, for short) was founded in 1934. At that time it was known as the Kyiv Theatre of Musical Comedy. In 1996, the Theatre received its current name. It occupies the building of the former Trinity People's House, a working-class community center. The building was constructed in the early 20th century using charity funds. The People's House hosted concerts and vaudeville performances, the first of the vaudevilles being held on 5 December 1902. The first production of the Theatre was that of Carl Zeller's The Bird Seller operetta (its premiere took place on 1 December 1935). Alongside The Bird Seller, the Theatre's repertoire contained the world's best classical operettas such as Johann Straus II's The Bat, Franz Lehar's Gypsy Love and Jacques Offenbach's The Bluebeard.
In 1938 a great event in the history of contemporary theatre happened, namely, the brilliant premiere of Aleksey Ryabov's Wedding in Malinovka, a contemporary Ukrainian operetta (story lines and music fragments of this operetta are used by one of the most famous Soviet films of the same name).
Kyiv Operetta Theatre these days modernizes its image to bring itself closer to the requirements of the young audience. For the recent seasons alongside with traditional and popular operettas, the Theatre is staging musicals and other musical shows, "musical and plastique shows" and various show programs.
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Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theater for Young Spectators
It is one of the Kyiv theatres, created at the beginning of 1980th, the period when the revival of cultural life began in the city. The theatre was created in 1982, the year of 1500year anniversary celebration of Kyiv. In 20 years it got the rank of «Academic".
The troupe consists of opera and ballet actors, symphonic orchestra, and choir. The company promotes national opera-ballet art, and enjoys wide popularity in the countries of Europe, Asia, and America.
For years of creative activity the theatre gave birth to more than 80 plays; 40 plays were performed for the first time. Nowadays the repertoire includes about 50 striking plays highly appreciated by the Ukrainian and foreign press.
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