Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre (Novosibirsk, Russia)
Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
The Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre (the official title is the Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the most important theatres in Novosibirsk and Siberia. It is located at the center of Novosibirsk at Lenin square.
The building was completed in February 1944, and the first performance was held on 12 May 1945. As of 2012, it is the largest theatre in Russia, larger than the Bolshoi Theatre (literally "Big theatre") in Moscow. After its renovation in 2005 with computerized stage equipment, at the time it became the most technically advanced in Russia. The total area of the building is 11,837 m2 (127,410 sq ft), the volume is 294,340 m3 (10,395,000 cu ft). The theatre is often called the "Siberian Coliseum" because of its size and beauty. The auditorium seats more than 1,790 spectators. Its upper gallery is decorated with copies of antique Greek statues.
Music directors
Current music director is Dmitri Jurowski. Previous directors were Teodor Currentzis (2004 to 2010) and Ainars Rubikis.
The building
The principal construction of the theatre building is the big dome, which is 60 metres (200 ft) wide and 35 metres (115 ft) high. The dome is a unique construction that supports itself without girders or columns. The ratio of its thickness (an average of 8 cm (3.1 in)) to its radius is less than that of a chicken's egg.
In front of the dome there is a large foyer, while behind it there is a 30-metre (98 ft) deep stage with bars rising up to 30 metres (98 ft) above.
The theater also served as the fifth pit stop in the fourteenth season of The Amazing Race.