The Mariinsky - booking and casting discussion 2017

[assoluta]

Based on previous years, does the Marinsky sell out, so best to get tickets now?

 

Last time they were selling slowly, in the end though all Swan Lakes, at least, were sold out and, yes, usually there are plenty of returns. I am really looking forward to check how good will be this time the fabled corps de ballet and expect few revelations if any from the soloists.

[penelopesimpson]

Last time they were selling slowly, in the end though all Swan Lakes, at least, were sold out and, yes, usually there are plenty of returns. I am really looking forward to check how good will be this time the fabled corps de ballet and expect few revelations if any from the soloists.

Just took another look and they're not exactly rushing out the door!  Are the Super Seats sold separately through the Hochhausers?  Anna Karenina has most seats gone

Edited March 28, 2017 by penelopesimpson

[Birdsall]

I am fairly new to this forum, but I have read on occasion, but I am in the US, so I am rarely on here. I am a huge Mariinsky fan, and I am planning on a trip to London to see them, because last time I was in St. Petersburg I got mugged and teeth bashed in so my partner and parents keep begging me not to return yet again. So I am seeing the Mariinsky in alternative locations temporarily because I promised not to go back for a couple of years.

 

Lopatkina announced being out all season due to an injury (must be a major one). Just mentioning because someone asked above.

 

I think assoluta is absolutely correct that Osmolkina/Stepin is the best Swan Lake cast. Unfortunately, I can not stay in London that long, so I will catch Osmolkina in the matinee without Stepin.

 

In my opinion, if you choose only one performance of SL in London it should be one of the Osmolkina performances. She has probably the best flowing arms after Novikova (who is not going on this tour). The gorgeous flowing arms, in my personal opinion, are what make the Mariinsky "it" for most of us Mariinsky fans. Other companies are just as good from the waist down, but if very fluid, flowing spines and arms are your thing, the Mariinsky is the best.

 

I am at a loss as to why the West loves Kondaurova so much. I think she can be very nice in soloist roles, but every time I have seen her in the U.S. or St. Petersburg she seems to have several minor mistakes that over time when it happens every time you see her, you get tired of it. I think she has an aristocratic "look" and that is something Westerners expect and now want in a Russian ballerina, and she is sometimes capable of a certain flowing quality, but for the most part I have always found her best in things like Carmen Suite or modern things or in a solo in Paquita (but not as the main ballerina). I guess taste is always subjective, and I plan to see her on this run and give her a try, because I had a ticket to see her in SL in Baden-Baden on Dec. 25 and had to give the ticket away to a friend's relative because I had been going back and forth from Baden-Baden and Mannheim and got too tired. So I plan to see Kondaurova, Osmolkina, Matvienko, Tereshkina, and Chebykina.

 

I saw Tereshkina in SL in Baden-Baden, and I agree that she is mainly a technical ballerina, but I enjoyed her Odette better than I thought I would, and her Odile is always deliciously evil.

 

When I saw Chebykina in SL in St. Petersburg I thought it was horrendous. For example, when Odile realizes Odette is in the window or mirror or whatever it is she gets a look on her face like, "Uh oh! The jig is up!" and she looked like Lucille Ball who just got caught by Desi Arnaz eating too much chocolate. I actually laughed out loud, BUT I am hoping she has been coached better, and I have heard she is dancing better, so I am willing to give her a second chance. But just in case I bought a cheap ticket to that particular performance.

 

Anyway, those are my thoughts in case they help anyone in choosing.

 

One last thought about Mariinsky ballerinas:  I think Lopatkina has changed what people look for in a Mariinsky ballerina. They consider her ultra regal and sort of cold and expect Mariinsky ballerinas to be that way (diva-like), so since Kondaurova has a similar aura/look they like her. But the best Mariinsky ballerinas are the sweet, delicate, flowing creatures who seem like alien beings like flowing sea creatures who dance and make you smile. The best Mariinsky ballerinas are delightful, not cold or regal, in my personal opinion.

[alison]

Welcome to the forum, Birdsall, and thank you for your considered contribution.  It's always good to hear from people whose experience goes beyond the British Isles.

 

I'm sorry to hear of your experience in St. P., though: it must have been horrific.

[penelopesimpson]

I am fairly new to this forum, but I have read on occasion, but I am in the US, so I am rarely on here. I am a huge Mariinsky fan, and I am planning on a trip to London to see them, because last time I was in St. Petersburg I got mugged and teeth bashed in so my partner and parents keep begging me not to return yet again. So I am seeing the Mariinsky in alternative locations temporarily because I promised not to go back for a couple of years.

 

Lopatkina announced being out all season due to an injury (must be a major one). Just mentioning because someone asked above.

 

I think assoluta is absolutely correct that Osmolkina/Stepin is the best Swan Lake cast. Unfortunately, I can not stay in London that long, so I will catch Osmolkina in the matinee without Stepin.

 

In my opinion, if you choose only one performance of SL in London it should be one of the Osmolkina performances. She has probably the best flowing arms after Novikova (who is not going on this tour). The gorgeous flowing arms, in my personal opinion, are what make the Mariinsky "it" for most of us Mariinsky fans. Other companies are just as good from the waist down, but if very fluid, flowing spines and arms are your thing, the Mariinsky is the best.

 

I am at a loss as to why the West loves Kondaurova so much. I think she can be very nice in soloist roles, but every time I have seen her in the U.S. or St. Petersburg she seems to have several minor mistakes that over time when it happens every time you see her, you get tired of it. I think she has an aristocratic "look" and that is something Westerners expect and now want in a Russian ballerina, and she is sometimes capable of a certain flowing quality, but for the most part I have always found her best in things like Carmen Suite or modern things or in a solo in Paquita (but not as the main ballerina). I guess taste is always subjective, and I plan to see her on this run and give her a try, because I had a ticket to see her in SL in Baden-Baden on Dec. 25 and had to give the ticket away to a friend's relative because I had been going back and forth from Baden-Baden and Mannheim and got too tired. So I plan to see Kondaurova, Osmolkina, Matvienko, Tereshkina, and Chebykina.

 

I saw Tereshkina in SL in Baden-Baden, and I agree that she is mainly a technical ballerina, but I enjoyed her Odette better than I thought I would, and her Odile is always deliciously evil.

 

When I saw Chebykina in SL in St. Petersburg I thought it was horrendous. For example, when Odile realizes Odette is in the window or mirror or whatever it is she gets a look on her face like, "Uh oh! The jig is up!" and she looked like Lucille Ball who just got caught by Desi Arnaz eating too much chocolate. I actually laughed out loud, BUT I am hoping she has been coached better, and I have heard she is dancing better, so I am willing to give her a second chance. But just in case I bought a cheap ticket to that particular performance.

 

Anyway, those are my thoughts in case they help anyone in choosing.

 

One last thought about Mariinsky ballerinas:  I think Lopatkina has changed what people look for in a Mariinsky ballerina. They consider her ultra regal and sort of cold and expect Mariinsky ballerinas to be that way (diva-like), so since Kondaurova has a similar aura/look they like her. But the best Mariinsky ballerinas are the sweet, delicate, flowing creatures who seem like alien beings like flowing sea creatures who dance and make you smile. The best Mariinsky ballerinas are delightful, not cold or regal, in my personal opinion.

What a great post.  So informative but I am sorry you paid such a high price for your love of ballet.  I hope you enjoy your time in London

[Birdsall]

Thank you, Alison and Penelope! The Russian doctor at the hospital pushed my two front teeth back in place and wired them to the teeth on the side, and when I returned to the U.S. I had root canals (which are no big deal on the front teeth....you feel nothing) and then had Invisalign (invisible braces) to correct the misaligned teeth. The doctor pushed them back as best he could, but they were not right. So, it was costly. The doctors in the U.S. said the Russian doctor did the best thing he could have.

 

I think the mugging could have happened anywhere in the world (London, New York, etc). so I personally do not think it was necessarily something that happened because I was in Russia. It was raining and very late at night (actually very early morning). The attacker took me down so professionally and somehow hit me just right to knock me out after taking me down. I am 6 feet and 190 lbs., so I never thoguht I would be a target. I knew my way around, and was rushing back to my hotel in the rain, so it wasn't like I was standing around lost like a tourist, but it is just one of those things.

 

Despite that I love the city of St. Petersburg and plan to return eventually. It is a beautiful city once you get to know it. I thought it was nice on my first visit but not spectacular but each visit made me love it even more. It is the type of city that grows on you. And the gorgeous Mariinsky Theatre is like walking into a fairytale world. For anyone reading do not let my mugging keep you from going if you have never been. The Mariinsky Theatre is totally worth a trip there!!! The auditorium has a very beautiful warm glow to it (in contrast the Bolshoi is so bright and brash you feel like you need sunglasses).

[Don Q Fan]

Great posts Birdsall. So sorry about your experience in StP but I agree it could have been anywhere and I'm glad it has not diminished your love if that great city. I want to go again. Thanks for the pointers about the dancers. I have the SL matinee booked so will look forward to it even more now????

[Angela]

I am one of the Westerners who love Kondaurova, just saw her at Christmas in Ashton's Marguerite et Armand at Baden-Baden: very, very touching, full of grace, emotion and dignity. I don't think I love her because she's "sexy" (what a silly reason to love a dancer), but she's a dramatic ballerina who sadly missed the point to move to one of the companies with story ballets like Hamburg or Stuttgart. I always thought she would be a great Tatiana, Manon or Lady of the Camellias. They don't have what she needs in St. Petersburg, but of course she doesn't want to leave. I don't think her partner Mr. Parish ever came near to her level, by the way.

 

What I can say about the Mariinsky ladies from the last years at Baden-Baden:

Skorik: cold, Matvienko: circus, Tereshkina: the ruling queen with Lopatkina off, such a clear, easy, natural-looking technique - her Raymonda was just perfect. What a pity they don't bring Novikova.

 

MAB: Ivanchenko is "very good-looking"??? This makes me doubt all your opinions...      He was bad already ten years ago and I thought he'll be leaving soon, but he keeps coming back and back... This is one dancer I try to avoid at any price.

[sybarite2015@]

I plan to see a lot of the Mariinsky ballets in London and it looks like it'll be expensive but so excited. I am more familiar with the Bolshoi ballerinas/danseurs except for Vishneva, Skorik and Lopatkina so the post by Birdsall was very helpful...

[Birdsall]

Ivanchenko does seem to have the attitude, "Why do a triple when a double is good enough!"  I think he is used for someone like Kondaurova because she is tall and he is probably one of the few males who would be taller and can lift her easily. His partnering skills are still decent and he can help make the ballerina look good. But I agree with everyone.....by himself he is sort of phoning it in as if he is thinking, "Another Swan Lake....yawn....." and while dancing he is thinking, "What errands do I need to run tomorrow?" It's a shame, because you can tell he had a solid grounding in Vaganova method (his arms, partnering). I suspect he doesn't have a passion for what he does. He just does it.

 

Parish tends to get good reviews, and I have no problem when he dances solos, but my major problem with him is that he slows down ballerinas on assisted turns, especially during paddle turns. The second he puts his hands on the ballerina to help her maintain her turns she comes to almost a halt. Just this past December Tereshkina was almost knocked off center during the paddle turns, and she is an excellent turner. She would have done better if he had NOT assisted her and she simply turned on her own. I have witnessed this happen every time he assists ballerinas, and the same ballerinas never slow down with other male partners during their turns. So this is a major problem, in my personal opinion. I hope he is better in London. I met him very briefly in the Mariinsky's lobby once and he is a very sweet person, so I hesitate to say anything negative, but this particular issue is a major problem.

[penelopesimpson]

I find it interesting that the fastest selling of all the Marinsky productions is Anna Karenina, notably the Vishneva evening.  I saw this when they were last here and really enjoyed it as well as marvelling at Vishneva's dramatic ability.  And yet perceived wisdom is that this is a flawed ballet.  Perhaps it is just because there are only the two performances.

[Beryl H]

I think the ballet audience want to see something different, I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the triple bill, I have booked for both Anna Karenina's although it isn't perfect, I was reading the programme for last time and it is a very fast moving ballet.

[aileen]

I've only booked for the triple bill. There's nobody that I'm desperate to see in the full lengths and, as people have said, the casting often changes anyway.

[yumiko]

La Bayadere casting has been changed.

http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/la-bayadere-by-marius-petipa

 

Not sure if other programmes also changed the casts or remain the same.

As usual, I need to keep an eye the casts on till the actual performance day.

[alison]

Now I know why people hedge their bets by booking so many performances!

[Lizbie1]

9 minutes ago, alison said:

Now I know why people hedge their bets by booking so many performances!

 

Indeed - I booked all four Bayaderes and five Swan Lakes, and only mean to go to one of each.

[penelopesimpson]

7 hours ago, Lizbie1 said:

 

Indeed - I booked all four Bayaderes and five Swan Lakes, and only mean to go to one of each.

Do you just return the tickets to ROH?

[Lizbie1]

Yes, unless I know of someone who'd like them.

[Beryl H]

The whole back page of the Sunday Times Culture is an advert for the Mariinsky, I thought it was about time as it's far from sold out, the picture is of Paquita, presumably the new version, I wonder which one will be brought to London, I was hoping it was the old 40 minute production of act 3 they also have, it includes the Petipa pas de trois from an earlier act, does anyone know?

 

 

 

[penelopesimpson]

3 hours ago, Beryl H said:

The whole back page of the Sunday Times Culture is an advert for the Mariinsky, I thought it was about time as it's far from sold out, the picture is of Paquita, presumably the new version, I wonder which one will be brought to London, I was hoping it was the old 40 minute production of act 3 they also have, it includes the Petipa pas de trois from an earlier act, does anyone know?

 

 

 

It's interesting that Don Quixote is selling particularly slowly.  Hope they don't bring it again.  Gratifying to see that the Vishneva performance of Anna Karenina is the first to sell out

[Shade]

I wonder why they chose Don Q when the Bolshoi performed it last summer. I wish that they were bringing Raymonda.

[assoluta]

Raymonda is, well,..., politically incorrect

[penelopesimpson]

1 hour ago, Shade said:

I wonder why they chose Don Q when the Bolshoi performed it last summer. I wish that they were bringing Raymonda.

Would prefer anything to Don Q which I've never liked and Acosta's version didn't do anything to change my opinion

[capybara]

1 hour ago, aileen said:

...... it's a mistake to bring Infra to its 'home theatre'; surely, the company could have shown something else.  

 

Quite.

 

Moreover, the Bolshoi also gave several Don Q's last year

[Beryl H]

I was so relieved this morning to read that the ASLEF overtime ban and strike have been called off for a while at least, and I can actually look forward now to the Mariinsky season, I was worried about having to sell tickets and then it was called off!

 

I think the Mariinsky Don Q is a marvellous production, especially the vision scene, can't beat the Bolshoi one but it comes close, opening night casting looks very good.

[alison]

Could someone please remind me of the running order of the scenes in the Mariinsky's Don Q, please?  I think I'm getting it confused with the Bolshoi production.  

 

Thanks.

[Bluebird]

1 hour ago, alison said:

Could someone please remind me of the running order of the scenes in the Mariinsky's Don Q, please?  I think I'm getting it confused with the Bolshoi production.  

 

Thanks.

 

Just unearthed my 2011 programme and got the running order below from its Don Q synopsis. I'm assuming this is what you were asking for.  If, however, you were asking for the timings, then I'm afraid they're not listed in the programme.

 

Prologue

Act 1 Town Square

Act II Scene 1  Gypsy Camp

          Scene 2 Don Q’s nightmare: Kingdom of the Dryads

          Scene 3 Morning breaks. Kitri and Basilio flee

Act III Scene 1 Scene in Inn

            Scene 2  Wedding

[alison]

That was exactly what I was after.  Thanks, Bluebird.

[annamk]

Casting change. No surprise that Skorik is replaced by Tereshkina in Swan Lake (w Parish) on 27/7. No change yet to Skorik's other performances. 

[Bluebird]

1 hour ago, annamk said:

Casting change. No surprise that Skorik is replaced by Tereshkina in Swan Lake (w Parish) on 27/7. No change yet to Skorik's other performances. 

 

You say that you're not surprised at this change.  Can you explain? Have you heard that Skorik is injured?

[RuthE]

I'm not massively familiar with the Mariinsky personnel, but judging by comments earlier in this thread, it appears I should consider Tereshkina an upgrade from Skorik in this role... (I'm only seeing the one performance).

[annamk]

1 hour ago, Bluebird said:

 

You say that you're not surprised at this change.  Can you explain? Have you heard that Skorik is injured?

Sorry yes Bluebird I should have said. She's been injured - I'm not sure what exactly but she hasn't danced in St Petersburg for a couple of months. 

[penelopesimpson]

On 7/20/2017 at 10:03, Beryl H said:

I was so relieved this morning to read that the ASLEF overtime ban and strike have been called off for a while at least, and I can actually look forward now to the Mariinsky season, I was worried about having to sell tickets and then it was called off!

 

I think the Mariinsky Don Q is a marvellous production, especially the vision scene, can't beat the Bolshoi one but it comes close, opening night casting looks very good.

But Don Q has been the slow seller of the season