Buildings, like people, have their own history, and the older they are, the more interesting, and often dramatic. The National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine was no exception. Until 1867, there was no permanent troupe in the city theater, erected in 1856 according to the project of I. Strom. Domestic and foreign troupes came to the city with tours; Italian opera singers were especially successful. Since the people of Kiev visited the theater with pleasure, it was decided to create their own troupe.
First successes
For the creative debut of the theater troupe, Verstovsky’s work “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 Ukrainian capital many centuries ago.
The Kiev Opera House began to be very popular, its troupe was not inferior to the famous theaters of the Russian Empire. The repertoire was constantly replenished with the works of Russian and foreign composers. The theater sounded beautiful music: Mikhail Glinka, Sergei Rachmaninov, 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 present beautiful theater building 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, which almost completely destroyed the building. Citizens, already in love with the Kiev Opera House, turned to the authorities with a motion to build a new building. The city authorities approached the issue responsibly, a competition for the best project was announced.
Since Kiev was one of the largest cultural centers of the Russian Empire, the theater building had to meet all the requirements of that time. The competition was attended by domestic and foreign architects. The project of the outstanding Russian architect Victor Schreter, who took into account the surrounding landscape and architectural style when creating it, was considered the best work.
Already in 1898, workers began construction of the building in the neo-Renaissance style. 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 Aleksandrovich did not have time to see the erected opera house of Kiev, he died shortly before the end of work.
The new building was distinguished not only by the grace and beauty of the decoration, but also by the most modern equipment for that day: air conditioning, steam heating and highly technical stage equipment. At the opening and consecration of the building, those present appreciated the magnificent exterior and interior decoration of the theater. Numerous sculptural compositions, sculpting, sparkling crystal, marble, gilding and velvet amazed with its majesty and brilliance. In addition, the theater had the widest stage of the country and could simultaneously receive 1,600 visitors. Finally I got a wonderful opera house Kiev, reviews about the repertoire and the newest building were enthusiastic.
Interesting historical facts
The building of the theater was decorated with sculptural compositions, the center of which was the emblem of the city. It was located above the main entrance, depicted on it is Archangel Michael - the patron saint of Kiev. Since the church considered the place of worship of Melpomene to be sinful, Metropolitan Theognostus insisted on replacing the coat of arms. Therefore, the main entrance began to be decorated with griffins, holding in their paws the symbol of musical creativity - the lyre.
The troupe of the Mariinsky Theater, the busts of composers Glinka and Serov, which were presented to colleagues in the creative workshop, adorned the building’s facade, contributed to the decoration of the theater. Prominent composers Tchaikovsky and Rakhmanov visited the opera house (Kiev) on tour.
The repertoire included such famous opera 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 glory of the theater grew. During their stay in Kiev, Emperor Nicholas II, the august family and retinue attended the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan on September 1, 1911. Such a joyful event was overshadowed by the death of Prime Minister Stolypin, who arrived in the city with his august family to open 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. Doctors did not lose hope and fought for his life, but the wound was too severe, and Stolypin died in the evening of September 5. According to the will of Peter Arkadyevich, he wanted to be buried where he would be killed. The prime minister was buried in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra.
The modern look of the theater
The building went through several reconstructions; in the thirties of the last century a complete change in the appearance of the theater was planned . According to the Soviet authorities, his style and decoration contradicted the needs of the working class. Fortunately, these plans were not destined to come true. An extension with additional rehearsal rooms was only added to the building, and only the busts of composers fell victims of the changes.
The opera house of Kiev received the name of Taras Shevchenko in 1939, having changed several names by that time. Conducting saved during the Second World War, the National Opera House. Kiev was then bombarded and bombarded. A shell hit the roof of the building, pierced it and fell into the ground, without breaking.
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. Stage equipment and lighting were replaced with modern ones, and an organ was made by special order in the Czech Republic. They tried to carry out the reconstruction in such a way as to preserve the ingenious work of Victor Schreter as much as possible.
Today, the National Theater is pleased to be visited by residents and guests of the capital of Ukraine, the troupe’s repertoire is constantly being updated, and the music of outstanding composers still sounds in the walls.
Opera House (Kiev): reviews
The troupe of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater continues to compete with the best theater groups in the world today. Tours invariably take place 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 excursion around the beautiful building itself is always admired.
Opera House (Kiev): address
The theater is located on the street. Vladimirskaya, 50 (metro station "Golden Gate"). It will be easier to get using the services of the Kiev metro. The theater is located at the intersection of Bogdan Khmelnitsky Street with Vladimirskaya, next to it are the famous sights of Kiev: Golden Gate and St. Sophia Cathedral.