Founded in the 18th century during the cultural flowering under Empress Catherine the Great, the Mariinsky Orchestra is one of the oldest musical institutions in Russia. Based out of the historic Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, the orchestra has a storied legacy that has positioned it as a central figure in the world of classical music. Over the years, the orchestra has performed under a number of prestigious conductors, but has been particularly associated with Valery Gergiev, who took up the baton as Artistic and General Director in 1988 and has since elevated the ensemble to new heights of international acclaim.

Throughout its extensive history, the Mariinsky Orchestra has nurtured the Russian classical tradition while also embracing a broader repertoire. Its discography reflects a commitment to both Russian and European composers, ranging from the intense ballet scores of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, such as "Swan Lake," to the evocative operatic works of Sergei Prokofiev, and onto the profound symphonic landscapes of Dmitri Shostakovich. The orchestra's recent releases showcase its versatility, moving from the enchanting "A Nutcracker Christmas" to the virtuosic "Bassoon Concertos: Vivaldi, Weber & Jolivet," and venturing into narrative with "Romeo En Julia (Narration)." This broad spectrum of recordings highlights the ensemble's continued dedication to presenting classical music in rich, dynamic forms that engage a contemporary audience while respecting the deep historical roots of the repertoire.

Genres

Orchestra

Russian Orchestra

Related Artists

Valery Gergiev

Ludwig Minkus

Russian National Orchestra

Neeme Järvi

Adolphe Adam

Staatskapelle Berlin

Riccardo Drigo

Gewandhausorchester

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Moscow Symphony Orchestra

Staatskapelle Dresden

Latest Release

A Nutcracker Christmas

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky•

Mariinsky Orchestra

Album - 80 Tracks - Released December 11, 2023