The
Mariinsky Theatre (,
Mariinskiy Teatr, also spelled
Maryinsky,
Mariyinsky) is a historic theatre of
opera and
ballet in
Saint Petersburg,
Russia. Opened in 1860, it became the preeminent music theatre of late 19th century Russia, where many of the stage masterpieces of
Tchaikovsky,
Mussorgsky, and
Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres. Through most of the Soviet era, it was known as the Kirov Theatre. Today, the Mariinsky Theatre is home to the
Mariinsky Ballet, Mariinsky Opera and
Mariinsky Orchestra. Since
Yuri Temirkanov's retirement in 1988, the conductor
Valery Gergiev has served as the theatre's general director.