The Mariinsky Theatre has traditionally prepared a dazzling array of holiday events for audiences of all ages. Vivid productions, fairy-tale narratives and magnificent music make it irresistible – for children and adults alike – to immerse themselves in the world of winter magic during the New Year season

From 20 to 29 December the Mariinsky Theatre will host the XX Mariinsky International Piano Festival. Audiences can look forward to a rich and diverse programme comprising twenty outstanding concerts featuring renowned pianists alongside gifted young musicians

From 11 to 14 December the Primorsky Stage will host the ballet programme of the X International Mariinsky Far East Festival. Audiences will be treated to Gala Concert. Carmen Suite, Don Quixote and A Thousand and One Nights, featuring distinguished principal ballerinas and soloists of the Mariinsky Theatre from St Petersburg

On 24, 25 and 26 November the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre will host the premiere performances of a new production of Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Golden Cockerel. The family-oriented fairytale staging is being created by director Anna Shishkina, set designer Varvara Pletneva and costume designer Antonia Shestakova. The first premiere performance will be conducted by the production’s music director, Valery Gergiev

From 20 November to 16 December the two Russian capitals will host a large-scale musical tribute festival, Maya and Rodion, dedicated to the memory of the outstanding composer and the legendary ballerina. Events celebrating Maya Plisetskaya and Rodion Shchedrin will take place on the stages of the leading venues in Moscow and St Petersburg. The festival is presented with media support from Channel One Russia and the VK Video platform. Key events will be broadcast live, allowing audiences across all regions of Russia to join the celebration. In addition, screenings will be held in cinemas throughout the country with support from KINO.ART.PRO. The festival’s Music Director is Valery Gergiev