The Kyiv Opera House is an architectural pearl of Ukraine

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Buildings, like people, have their own history, and the older they are, the more interesting, and often more dramatic. The National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine was no exception. Until 1867, there was no permanent troupe in the city theater, built in 1856 according to the project of I. Shtrom. Domestic and foreign troupes came to the city with tours, Italian opera performers had particular success. Since the people of Kiev enjoyed visiting the theater, it was decided to create their own troupe.

First successes

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

The Kyiv Opera House began to enjoy great popularity, its troupe was not inferior to the eminent theaters of the Russian Empire. The repertoire was constantly replenished with works by Russian and foreign composers. Beautiful music sounded within the walls of the theater: Mikhail Glinka, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Alexander Dargomyzhsky, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Lysenko, Alexei Verstovsky, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gioacchino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi and other outstanding composers.

Construction of a new theater building

Perhaps the current beautiful building of the theater was never built, if 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 grew into a fire that almost completely destroyed the building. The townspeople, who already fell in love with the Kyiv Opera House, turned to the authorities with a petition to build a new building. The city authorities approached the issue responsibly, a competition for the best project was announced.

Since Kyiv 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 Shreter, who took into account the surrounding landscape and architectural style when creating.

Already in 1898, workers began construction of a neo-Renaissance building. The work was carried out for three years under the guidance of the famous architect Vladimir Nikolaev, the author of the famous monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky. Unfortunately, Viktor Alexandrovich did not have time to see the erected opera house in Kyiv, he died shortly before the completion of work.

The new building was distinguished not only by grace and beautydecoration, but also the most modern equipment of the day: air conditioning, steam heating and high-tech stage equipment. At the opening and consecration of the building, those present appreciated the luxurious exterior and interior decoration of the theater. Numerous sculptural compositions, molding, sparkling crystal, marble, gilding and velvet amazed with their majesty and brilliance. In addition, the theater had the widest stage in the country and could simultaneously receive 1,600 visitors. The beautiful Kyiv Opera House has finally received, reviews of the repertoire and the newest building have been enthusiastic.

Interesting historical facts

The theater building was decorated with sculptural compositions, the center of which was the coat of arms of the city. It was located above the main entrance, depicted on it is Archangel Michael - the patron saint of Kyiv. Since the church considered the place of worship of Melpomene sinful, Metropolitan Theognost insisted on replacing the coat of arms. Therefore, griffins began to decorate the main entrance, holding in their paws the symbol of musical creativity - the lyre.

The troupe of the Mariinsky Theater made its contribution to the decoration of the theater, busts of composers Glinka and Serov, which were presented to colleagues in the creative department, adorned the facade of the building. Outstanding composers Tchaikovsky and Rakhmanov visited the Opera House (Kyiv) on tour.

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

Sad events

The fame of the theater grew. During his stay in Kyiv, Emperor Nicholas II, his august family and retinue were present on September 1, 1911 at the opera The Tale of Tsar S altan. Such a joyful event was overshadowed by the death of Prime Minister Stolypin, who came to the city with his august family for the opening of the monument to Alexander II.

Pyotr Arkadyevich was in the theater, during the intermission he 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 turned out to be too severe, and on the evening of September 5, Stolypin died. According to the will of Peter Arkadyevich, he wished to be buried where he would be killed. The Prime Minister was buried in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

Modern look of the theater

The building has gone through 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, its style and decoration contradicted the needs of the working class. Fortunately, these plans were not destined to come true. They only added an extension to the building with additional rehearsal rooms, and only busts of composers fell victim to the changes.

The Kyiv Opera House received the name of Taras Grigoryevich Shevchenko in 1939, having changed several names by that time. The conduct saved the National Opera House during World War II. Kyiv was then subjected to shelling and bombing. A shell hit the roof of the building, pierced it and fell into the stalls without exploding.

A thorough reconstruction began in 1983, work was carried out to increase the total area of the theater, rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms were added, the stage and orchestra also became much larger. The stage equipment and lighting were replaced with modern ones, and an organ was made in the Czech Republic on a special order. They tried to carry out the reconstruction in such a way as to preserve the brilliant creation of Viktor Schroeter as much as possible.

Today, residents and guests of the capital of Ukraine are happy to visit the National Theater, the troupe's repertoire is constantly updated, and the music of outstanding composers still sounds in the walls.

Opera Theater (Kyiv): reviews

The troupe of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater continues to compete with the best theater groups in the world today. Tours are invariably held with great success, and the audience continues to admire the works of outstanding composers performed by theater artists. Visitors get pleasure not only from opera and ballet performances, the tour of the beautiful building itself is always admirable.

Opera Theater (Kyiv): address

The theater is located on the street. Vladimirskaya, 50 (Zoloti Vorota metro station). It will be easier to get there using the services of the Kyiv metro. The theater is located at the intersection of Bohdan Khmelnitsky and Volodymyrska streets, next to it are the famous sights of Kyiv: the Golden Gate and St. Sophia Cathedral.