Mariinsky II (New Theatre)

Music by Sergei Slonimsky
Libretto by Yuri Dimitrin and Vitaly Fialkovsky

October 6, 2023 at the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after. D. D. Shostakovich (Shostakovich Opera Ballet) hosted the premiere of the opera “The Master and Margarita” by the outstanding Soviet and Russian composer Sergei Mikhailovich Slonimsky, dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of the master’s birth.

The Samara production became the first full-scale stage embodiment of this opera in Russia, which can rightfully be considered a historical event in the musical and theatrical world of the country.

According to Slonimsky’s plan, “The Master and Margarita” is a chamber opera. Instead of a conventional symphony orchestra, it uses the principle of instrumental theater, where each instrument is interpreted as a companion to the acting characters.

The performance was performed by the Shostakovich Opera Ballet troupe together with the famous St. Petersburg opera director Yuri Alexandrov. Musical director and stage director - Evgeny Khokhlov, production designer - Sergey Novikov, lighting designer - Irina Vtornikova, choreographer - Nadezhda Kalinina. The legendary opera singer, People's Artist of Russia, laureate of the USSR State Prize, Sergei Leiferkus, was invited to perform the role of Pilate.