Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra return to Cadogan Hall with three concerts in the 2018-19 season that pay tribute to two giant figures in the history of the Mariinsky Theatre, Pyotr Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa.

Petipa, whose 200th anniversary is being celebrated throughout the ballet world in 2018, worked at the Mariinsky Theatre for over half a century, including more than 30 years as First Ballet Master and Principal Choreographer of the company. Petipa’s numerous full-length works and definitive revivals remain cornerstones of the ballet repertory today, including Don Quixote, La bayadère, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty which features in this Mariinsky concert, was commissioned by the Mariinsky Theatre which gave its world premiere in St Petersburg in 1890.

Tchaikovsky’s close association with the Mariinsky Theatre included numerous opera and ballet commissions as well as symphonic performances. He conducted the Imperial Orchestra (forerunner of today’s Mariinsky Orchestra) on many occasions, including, in 1888, in the world premiere of his Fifth Symphony.

This concert celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Mariinsky Theatre Trust (UK).