Opera theater of Kiev - architectural pearl of Ukraine

Buildings, like people, have their own history, and the older they are, the more interesting, and often dramatic. The National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine was not an exception. Until 1867, a permanent troupe in the city theater, erected in 1856 by the project of I. Shtrom, was not. Domestic and foreign troupes came to the city with tours, Italian opera singers had a special success. Since the people of Kiev enjoyed visiting the theater with pleasure, it was decided to create their own troupe.

First successes

For the creative debut of the theater troupe, Verstovsky's Askold's Grave was chosen. The premiere was a great success, the amazing work of actors and scenery conveyed the historical atmosphere of the events that took place in the capital of Ukraine many centuries ago.

Opera House of Kiev began to enjoy great popularity, his troupe was not inferior to the eminent theaters of the Russian Empire. The repertoire was constantly replenished with works of Russian and foreign composers. The beautiful music was played in the walls of the theater: Mikhail Glinka, Sergei Rachmaninov, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Alexander Dargomyzhsky, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Nikolay Lysenko, Alexei Verstovsky, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and other outstanding composers.

Construction of a new theater building

Perhaps the current beautiful theater building was never built, were it not for the tragic circumstances of 1896. The fire that occurred in one of the back rooms of the theater during the morning performance quickly developed into a fire that almost completely destroyed the building. Townspeople who already fell in love with the Kiev Opera House appealed to the authorities for a new building. The city authorities came to the decision of the matter responsibly, a contest for the best project was announced.

Since Kiev was one of the largest cultural centers of the Russian Empire, the theater building had to meet all the requirements of that time. Domestic and foreign architects took part in the competition. The best work was considered the project of the outstanding Russian architect Viktor Schreter, who took into account the creation of the surrounding landscape and architectural style.

Already in 1898, workers began building a building in the style of neo-Renaissance. The work was carried out for three years under the leadership of the well-known architect Vladimir Nikolaev - the author of the famous monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky. Unfortunately, Victor Alexandrovich did not have time to see the erected opera house of Kiev, he died shortly before the end of the works.

The new building was distinguished not only by the elegance and beauty of the decoration, but also by the most modern equipment for that day: air conditioning, steam heating and highly technical stage equipment. At the opening and consecration of the building, the audience appreciated the luxurious exterior and interior decoration of the theater. Numerous sculptural compositions, molding, sparkling crystal, marble, gilding and velvet impressed Majesty and brilliance. In addition, the theater had the widest stage of the country and could simultaneously receive 1600 visitors. Finally got a wonderful opera house in Kiev, reviews about the repertoire and the newest building were enthusiastic.

Interesting historical facts

The building of the theater was decorated with sculptural compositions, the center of which was the coat of arms of the city. He was above the main entrance, depicting on it the archistratigus Michael - the patron of Kiev. Since the church considered the place of Melpomene ministry sinful, Metropolitan Theognost insisted on replacing the coat of arms. Therefore, the main entrance was decorated with griffins, holding in their paws a symbol of musical creativity - lyre.

The troupe of the Mariinsky Theater, the busts of the composers Glinka and Serov, who were presented to colleagues in the creative department, decorated the facade of the building, contributed to the decoration of the theater. Outstanding composers Tchaikovsky and Rakhmanov attended the opera theater (Kiev) with tours.

The repertoire included such famous operas as Eugene Onegin, Mazepa, Oprichnik, The Queen of Spades, Aleko, The Snow Maiden, Ivan Susanin, Ruslan and Lyudmila, The Rusalka, "The Marriage of Figaro" and many others.

Sad events

The glory of the theater grew. During his stay in Kiev, Emperor Nicholas II, the august family and retinue attended September 1, 1911 at the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Such a joyous event was overshadowed by the death of Prime Minister Stolypin, who came to the city together with the august family to open the monument to Alexander II.

Pyotr Arkadevich was in the theater, during the intermission was mortally wounded by the anarchist Bogrov in front of Nicholas II. The doctors did not lose hope and fought for his life, but the wound was too heavy, and on the evening of September 5 Stolypin died. According to the will of Peter Arkadevich, he wished to be buried where he would be killed. They buried the prime minister in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

The modern appearance of the theater

The building survived several reconstructions, in the thirties of the last century it was planned to completely change the appearance of the theater. According to the Soviet authorities, his style and decoration contradicted the needs of the working class. Fortunately, these plans were not destined to come true. The building was only added an extension with additional rehearsal rooms, and only the busts of the composers fell victims of the changes.

The name of Taras Shevchenko Kiev Opera Theater was in 1939, changing several names by that time. The event was saved during the Second World War by the National Opera House. Then, Kiev was bombarded and bombed. A shell hit the roof of the building, struck it and fell to the ground, never breaking.

A thorough reconstruction began in 1983, work was done to increase the total area of the theater, rehearsal rooms and make-up rooms were added, the stage and orchestral also became much larger. Stage equipment and lighting replaced by modern, on special order in the Czech Republic was made an organ. We tried to reconstruct the reconstruction so as to preserve Victor Schreter's ingenious creation as much as possible.

Today the National Theater is visited by residents and guests of the capital of Ukraine with pleasure, the troupe's repertoire is constantly updated, and the music of outstanding composers continues to sound in the walls.

Opera House (Kiev): reviews

The troupe of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater still continues to compete with the best theatrical collectives of the world. The tours invariably pass with great success, and the audience continues to admire the works of outstanding composers performed by theater artists. Pleasure visitors receive not only from opera and ballet productions, the excursion to a beautiful building is always admired.

Opera House (Kiev): address

The theater is located on the street. Vladimirskaya, 50 (metro station "Golden Gate"). It will be easier to get there by using the services of the Kiev subway. The theater is located at the intersection of Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street with Vladimirskaya, next to it are the famous sights of Kiev: the Golden Gate and the St. Sophia Cathedral.