When did the Bolshoi Theatre open to the public?
The current theatre opened on the 18th of January 1825 as the Bolshoi Petrovsky Theatre. The opening performance featured Catalan composer Fernando Sor's ballet Cendrillon.
Questions about Bolshoi Theatre
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded the original company that became the Bolshoi Theatre?
Prince Peter Urusov received a licence from Catherine II to organize theatrical performances in the late 18th century. He partnered with English tightrope walker Michael Maddox to establish the company.
How much did it cost to restore the Bolshoi Theatre between 2005 and 2011?
Der Spiegel quotes a final figure of $1.1 billion for the restoration project. Engineers found that more than 75% of the structure was unstable despite initial estimates suggesting otherwise.
Which famous ballet premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1877?
Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theatre on the 4th of March 1877. The Bolshoi has been associated from its beginnings with ballet and remains by far the world's biggest ballet company.
When did the first major dancer defection occur involving Alexander Godunov?
The first major dancer defection occurred on the 23rd of August 1979 involving Alexander Godunov. Leonid Kozlov and Valentina Kozlova defected on the 16th of September 1979.