Swan Lake runs 2 hours 40 minutes, including one intermission.
12+

For the first time ever in Istanbul, Russia’s legendary Bolshoi Theatre — one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies — will perform two iconic productions: Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake. The performances will take place at the Atatürk Cultural Centre from September 26 to 30, as part of the Türkiye Culture Route Festival. The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra will accompany both ballets (conductor Anton Grishanin). The tour is presented by the production company Art Seasons.

These timeless ballets, performed by the Bolshoi’s principal dancers, remain beloved by generations of theatergoers. Romeo and Juliet, first staged in 1940, features music by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography by Leonid Lavrovsky, who drew inspiration from the Verona chronicles, medieval romances, and historical dance traditions.

The second ballet on the program is Swan Lake — a true symbol of the Russian ballet repertoire. Premiered in 1877, it was the first ballet Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed for the Bolshoi Theatre. With its legendary music, the famous Dance of the Little Swans, and the breathtaking 32 fouettés performed by Odile, the Black Swan, Swan Lake remains one of the most celebrated ballets in the world.

Around 350 dancers, musicians, and theatre staff will travel to Istanbul for this remarkable tour. The original sets and costumes will also be brought from the Bolshoi’s historic stage to recreate the full splendor of these classic productions. Only four exclusive performances are scheduled — tickets are now on sale.

The Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, the oldest musical ensemble in Russia, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s top symphony orchestras. Among its musicians — laureates and prizewinners of international competitions, as well as Honored and People's Artists of Russia.

Today, Valery Gergiev, the internationally acclaimed conductor, serves as the Director of the Bolshoi Theatre, as well as the Artistic and General Director of the Mariinsky Theatre.

The history of Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre dates back to 1776. The first ballets at the Bolshoi were staged under the direction of French and Italian choreographers. One of its most iconic productions, Don Quixote, was staged in 1869 by Marius Petipa — a production that has since become a hallmark of Moscow ballet. In Soviet times, especially after Moscow became the capital, the Bolshoi became the country’s principal theatre, bringing together the finest artistic talents. The golden age of Soviet ballet is inseparable from the names of choreographers Leonid Lavrovsky and Yuri Grigorovich. Among the legendary performers of that era were Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Ekaterina Maximova, Nina Timofeyeva, Asaf Messerer, Mikhail Lavrovsky, Vladimir Vasiliev, and Māris Liepa — artists who defined the Bolshoi’s legacy on the world stage. Makhar Vaziev has served as Artistic Director of the Bolshoi Theatre’s Ballet Company since 2016. He previously held the same role at the Mariinsky Ballet and La Scala. At the end of 2023, the theatre came under the direction of the distinguished conductor Valery Gergiev. Under his leadership the Bolshoi continues to present grand operas, ballets, and symphonic concerts.

Photo by Damir Yusupov