Now playing at a Mariinsky Theatre near you
Designed by Canadian architects Diamond Schmitt, the $700-million theatre is open in St. Petersburg, Russia
In this photo taken on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 guests take their seats for a "pre-premiere" performance, put on for veterans and senior employees of the theatre, in the new Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The official opening of the new stage is scheduled for Thursday, May 2.Dmitry Lovetsky/The Associated Press
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the Grand Gala Concert at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, May 2, 2013.POOL/Reuters
Russian pianist Denis Matsuev performs during a gala concert at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg May 1, 2013.ALEXANDER DEMIANCHUK/Reuters
Actors perform during a fragment of the "Boris Godunov" opera by Modest Mussorgsky, as part of a gala concert at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg May 1, 2013.ALEXANDER DEMIANCHUK/Reuters
Dancers perform during the "Romeo and Juliet" ballet fragment, as part of a gala concert at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg May 1, 2013.ALEXANDER DEMIANCHUK/Reuters