Mariinsky Orchestra

The Mariinsky Theatre can trace its origins back to 1783, when Catherine the Great issued a decree that led to its formation. It has staged the premieres of operas by Verdi, Borodin, Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky as well as many of the great Russian ballets including Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, La Bayadère, and Swan Lake. Under the leadership of Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky Orchestra’s international reputation has grown through frequent touring and recordings.