Baroque. Classicism. Romanticism
Chamber Concert Series

The first concert by the Mikhailovsky Theatre Chamber Orchestra will take place on 23 March in the dress circle foyer. The ‘Baroque. Classicism. Romanticism’ series is based on works which have enjoyed timeless popularity with classical music connoisseurs. The series will open with music by Vivaldi, including the famous Four Seasons violin concertos, and two concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach. Other concerts will include works by Mozart, Rossini, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky.

Mikhail Tatarnikov, the theatre’s Musical Director and Principal Conductor, is a supporter of this initiative by musicians who had “felt constricted in the orchestra pit”:

“Our orchestra is made up of talented people and consummate professionals, but their choice of music is restricted — with rare exceptions — to the theatre’s repertoire, and their only contact with the audience is made from their habitual place in the orchestra pit. It is to be expected that musicians’ creative dispositions should propel them to break out of the confinements of the regular repertoire and reach out to the public in different ways. This naturally led to the idea of a chamber orchestra and a series of chamber concerts, which require a different way of playing and are governed by different rules.”

Vladislav Gluz, who has assumed the duties of head of the chamber orchestra in addition to his main role as Concertmaster of the Mikhailovsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra, is anticipating the many extra hours of rehearsal with genuine enthusiasm:

“Playing in a chamber group is like breathing together. It fosters a greater feeling of togetherness and mutual understanding; the musicians carry out very delicate work, not unlike that of a jeweller; it is largely about nuances, details, and, ultimately, creative individuality. I have no doubt that the public will appreciate our work. Along with operas and ballets, the Mikhailovsky’s lectures, guided tours, and exhibitions have taken their rightful place in the theatre’s programme. I am sure that the chamber concerts in our elegant foyer will become yet another hallmark of the theatre.”