THE TIMELESS GRANDEUR OF RUSSIAN OPERA

The land that produced musical titans like Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Stravinsky, Russia has a long and illustrious connection to opera. For the ultimate operatic experience in St Petersburg, Hotel Astoria invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a private concert at Yusupov Palace by Mariinsky Theatre singers. After welcome cocktails and canapés, you’ll embark on an exclusive palace tour before taking your seat at the gilded Home Theatre for an unforgettable performance. Sit back and enjoy an evening of sublime arias, before returning to Hotel Astoria for a decadent seven-course celebration dinner.

The unique event is inspired by St Petersburg’s longstanding relationship with world class opera. The first operas were performed here in the 18th century and Russia’s Imperial Court became swiftly enamoured with the art form. The royal patronage of the art meant that opera performances were soon de rigeur for St Petersburg’s elite and Empress Elizabeth even had an opera performance at her coronation in 1742. Russia’s love affair with opera continued to flourish in the 19th century and, despite the political upheaval of the 20th century, operatic composers such as Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich braved fierce condemnation from the authorities in order to stage their works.

Today, St Petersburg is the definitive city in which to experience Russian opera, from exclusive performances in private palaces to world-renowned theatres such as the legendary Mariinsky Theatre and the equally prestigious Mikhailovsky Theatre.  

To enquire or book this unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at Hotel Astoria, call +7 812 494 5757 or email reservations.astoria@roccofortehotels.com.

Image Credit
Valentin Baranovsky_Marrinsky Theatre

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