La Scala and the Bolshoi to launch exchange

The Russian Bolshoi Theatre and the Italian “La Scala” Theatre have signed an agreement on long-term cultural exchange between the two companies. Both theatres are to organize large-scaled tours in Russia and Italy respectively.

The next four years are going to be extremely productive for both sides. According to the deal, Moscow and Milan will be the most frequently visited cities for La Scala and the Bolshoi Theatre. The two companies will present their best opera and ballet productions to each other.

The first tour is scheduled in May. The Bolshoi will present two ballets – “The Pharaoh's Daughter” and “Limpid Stream” with music by Dmitry Shostakovich. “These stagings are not as well-known as ”Swan Lake“ or ”Giselle“ but they show how the Bolshoi Theatre is seeking fresh forms of self-expression,” emphasizes Aleksey Ratmansky, Art Director of the Bolshoi's ballet company.

The La Scala's choir and orchestra will have ther  honour of the first performance in the renovated building of the Bolshoi Theatre in 2008. “Our tour program in Russia will be a top priority for the upcoming ten years. Other tours will depend on this project,” says Maria di Freda, La Scala representative.

The art directors of both theatres also plan a series of joint performances and master classes as part of the agreement.

The exact dates of the tours are to be announced.