Get ready for a classic! The renowned State Opera of Tatarstan is bringing its lavish production of "Don Quixote" to Shanghai, with a full symphony orchestra providing the live score. The stellar cast is led by Oleg Ivenko, the star of the film "The White Crow."

The ballet "Don Quixote" is a classic of the classical repertoire, renowned for its comedic and festive nature, dramatic tension, and technically demanding choreography. The plot is set in Barcelona, Spain. The barber Basilio and Kitri, the innkeeper's daughter, are in love, but her parents insist she marry a nobleman. Basilio pretends to commit suicide, and a distraught Kitri is supported by Don Quixote, who persuades her parents to finally consent to the marriage. The performance will be accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.

The State Opera of Tatarstan, one of Russia's oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions, presents a spectacular production of the classic ballet "Don Quixote" with live accompaniment by a full symphony orchestra. Founded in 1791 and a recent winner of Russia's national "Onegin" award for Best Opera House, the theatre is celebrated for its profound artistic heritage and technical excellence.

This performance of "Don Quixote" showcases the company's renowned talent, featuring principal dancer Oleg Ivenko, acclaimed for his leading role in the film "The White Crow." The ballet itself is a vibrant and comedic masterpiece, filled with breathtaking choreography, grand music, and festive group scenes. The integration of the live orchestra adds a rich, emotional depth to the performance, perfectly syncing with the dancers' movements to create a truly immersive and enchanting experience. This production is part of the theatre's 2025-2026 China tour, stopping in Shanghai for this special engagement.

Cast Information

Ballet Artistic Director: Vladimir Yakovlev

Honored Artist of Russia (1996), Honored Artist of the Tatarstan Republic (1980)

Conductor: Ayyub Guliyev

Winner of the Arturo Toscanini International Conducting Competition in Italy (2011)

Principal Dancers:

Oleg Ivenko

Winner of the Premio Positano "Dancer of the Year" (Italy, 2020), Honored Artist of the Tatar Republic, First Prize winner at the 9th Seoul International Dance Competition (2016).

Kristina Andreeva

Honored Artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, Winner of the State Prize of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Amanda Gomes

Gold Medal at the XVII Varna International Ballet Competition (2016), Silver Medal at the XIII Moscow International Ballet Competition (2017).

Wagner Carvalho

Gold Medal at the XIV Moscow International Ballet Competition (2022).

Mikhail Timaev

Bronze Medal at the XI Moscow International Ballet Competition (2009), "Dance Soul" Rising Star Award (Russia, 2012).

• Stage & Dance