Valery Gergiev will open a new concert hall in Vladikavkaz

On 26-27 September Vladikavkaz will host the VI International Caucasus Festival Mariinsky-Vladikavkaz with the participation of leading opera soloists and the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under Valery Gergiev. The events of the busy festival days will take place at the venues of the Mariinsky Theatre's branch in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania and also at the new Cultural Centre, the opening of which will be the culmination of the festival. The event is timed to coincide with two major anniversaries being celebrated this year : the 240th anniversary of Vladikavkaz and the 100th anniversary of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

On 26 September the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre Branch in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania will host an afternoon concert by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Valery Gergiev. In the evening, Mascagni's Rural Honour will be performed on the stage of the Opera and Ballet Theatre in Vladikavkaz. The principal roles will be performed by Mariinsky Opera Company soloists Yulia Matochkina, Ahmed Agadi, Vladislav Kupriyanov, Daria Ryabokon and Elena Vitman. At the pulse of the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra is Valery Gergiev.

On 27 September Vladikavkaz will host the grand opening of the new Cultural Centre, which includes a 498-seat concert hall and museum and exhibition spaces. The total area is more than two thousand square metres. The new concert venue was funded by the Valery Gergiev Foundation Charitable Fund and is located in the historical centre of Vladikavkaz. Before the revolution there was a cinema ‘Pate’, where silent films were played to piano accompaniment, singers, amateur actors and even acrobats performed. After the revolution, the cinema changed many names until in 1935 the sign ‘Komsomolets’ appeared on its facade. It was one of the most visited cinemas in the city. Basically, ‘Komsomolets’ specialised in showing children's and youth cinema. Over the decades, the theatre has been engaged in extensive educational work with young viewers, holding film lectures, meetings of young people with republican and Russian film masters, and thematic subscription film screenings for the widest possible audience.

Today, in the year of the 240th anniversary of Vladikavkaz and the 100th anniversary of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the building is beginning a new life. As in the early 20th century, music will be played there, but on a large, professional scale. A new stage for Russia will be opened by internationally renowned stars. Valery Gergiev will be at the conductor's desk. The evening opening will be preceded by an afternoon concert by bright young soloists.