PREMIER AT THE MIKHAILOVSKY THEATRE: NACHO DUATO’S “RAYMONDA”

On October 23 and 24, the Mikhailovsky Theatre will host the premiere performances of Alexander Glazunov’s ballet “Raymonda”, choreographed by Nacho Duato.

The renowned Spanish choreographer — who has served as the theatre’s ballet artistic director since 2019—possesses a unique talent for revealing new facets of characters in classical ballets without altering the productions' fundamental narratives or storylines.

This marks Duato’s first time staging Glazunov’s famous ballet. The romantic production immerses the audience in the era of medieval knights and fair ladies, where true feelings are put to the test. Battles and feats of valor unfold not only on the battlefield but also within the heart of the heroine. A romantic conflict plays out in Raymonda’s soul: will she remain faithful to her fiancé, the Crusader knight Jean de Brienne, or succumb to temptation and yield to the passionate Saracen Abderakhman?

The elegance of the music, choreography, and plot is complemented by exquisite set designs by Jaffar Chalabi and costumes by Angelina Atlagić. The lead roles are being rehearsed by Angelina Vorontsova — who recently gave a public talk at the Hotel Astoria — as well as Anastasia Soboleva, Prisca Zeisel, Ernest Latypov, Nikita Chetverikov, Viktor Lebedev, Danila Khamzin, and Mikhail Batalov.

The Astoria is a partner of the Mikhailovsky Theatre for the 2025/2026 season. The hotel’s private box is located in the benoir (lower tier), and the theatre package includes an aperitif at the Astoria Restaurant or Lichfield Bar.