Kick off the new year with a magical tradition! The renowned State Opera of Tatarstan presents the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," featuring a full symphony orchestra providing the enchanting live score. The stellar cast is led by Oleg Ivenko, the star of the film "The White Crow," promising a spectacular fairy-tale experience.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" is the quintessential holiday ballet. The story, set on Christmas Eve, follows young Clara as she embarks on a magical journey with her Nutcracker prince. Together, they battle the evil Mouse King and journey to the enchanting Land of Sweets, where they are entertained by the Sugar Plum Fairy and a dazzling array of international dances. The ballet, featuring iconic music like the "Waltz of the Flowers" and "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," is a festive and heartwarming spectacle for all ages. This performance will be accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.

The State Opera of Tatarstan, one of Russia's oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions founded in 1791, presents a magnificent production of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker" with live accompaniment by a full symphony orchestra. 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, boasting over 120 artists in its ballet company and orchestra.

This performance features principal dancer Oleg Ivenko, acclaimed for his leading role in the film "The White Crow." The beloved story follows Clara on her magical Christmas Eve adventure, filled with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, and a journey to the Land of Sweets. The integration of the live orchestra adds a rich, emotional depth to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, perfectly syncing with the dancers' movements to create a truly immersive and enchanting experience for the entire family. This production is part of the theatre's 2025-2026 China tour, stopping in Shanghai for this special holiday 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