Bolshoi Theater, The Emblematic Opera House

The Bolshoi Theater is a historical opera house in Moscow dedicated to opera and ballet. The Bolshoi Theater was founded in 1776 but the current neoclassical building is from the 19th century. This opera house is considered a symbol of Russia, thanks to his contribution to the performing arts. Its troupe, consisting of ballet dancers, musicians and opera singers, is one of the oldest and most famous troupes in the world. Many famous plays premiered on the Bolshoi Theater stage, such as Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake (February 20, 1877). 

In the early years, the performances took place in private homes, as was the custom of the time. The first building of the theater was erected on the right bank of the river Neglinka, on Petrofka Street, which is why the theater was originally called Petrovsky. The Bolshoi Theater was built in very short time, in less than 6 months, and was the first large-scale public theater to be built in Moscow. The first performance took place on December 30, 1780 and consisted of an official introduction entitled Wanderers written by Alexander Ablesimov and a large pantomime ballet entitled The School of Magic, to music by the Austrian Joseph Startcher.

Emperor Alexander III and his family considered the opera house one of their favorite places to spend their time. During its long history, more than 700 ballet and opera performances have been performed on its Stage. For years it was pretty difficult for someone to find tickets specially for the most famous performances, but nowadays online ticket made things easier.