Overview:

The St. Petersburg Philharmonia in Russia is the oldest and most prestigious symphony orchestra in the country. Founded in 1802, the orchestra has a long and fascinating history including performing for some of the most prestigious musical institutions in Russia such as the Imperial Conservatory and the Mariinsky Theatre. The orchestra has toured all over the world, performing for audiences from Europe to the Americas and Asia. Over the years, the orchestra has been under the leadership of some of the greatest conductors including Kurt Sanderling, Yevgeny Mravinsky, and Mariss Jansons. The orchestra continues to give performances of the great classical music works of past and present, featuring a wide range of compositions from Shostakovich to Tchaikovsky to contemporary works. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Russia
Prominent Features:

1. One of the largest philharmonic orchestras in the world: St. Petersburg Philharmonia is considered to be one of the largest orchestras in the world, boasting over 120 members. 2. Specialized orchestras for all occasions: Along with its main orchestra, St. Petersburg Philharmonia is distinguished by its specialized orchestras, dedicated to different occasions such as performances of ballet and musicals, as well as for large public concerts. 3. Intimacy of the small concert hall: One of St. Petersburg Philharmonia’s most prominent features is its grand yet intimate concert hall. The cozy atmosphere and perfect acoustics of the hall provide an unforgettable experience for the audience. 4. Fascinating historical and cultural heritage: St. Petersburg Philharmonia is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fascinating historical background. The orchestra was founded in 1703 and its musicians have performed works by legendary Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Russia.

History:

The St. Petersburg Philharmonia was founded in 1783, when the former Imperial Theatre named the St. Petersburg Court Theatre was re-organized to include a Philharmonic Orchestra and a Chamber Orchestra. Founded by Austrian musician and impresario, Johann Gottlieb Naumann, the orchestra was intended to promote the development of new musical works, both foreign and domestic, in the city. Under Naumann, the orchestra quickly modernized and was supported by the Imperial family, particularly Tsarevich Alexander and Tsarina Elizabeth. It was under their patronage that the Philharmonia performed in Moscow in 1790 and then more extensively during the coronation of Alexander I in 1801. At its height, the Philharmonia operated under the directorship of Eduard Napravnik (1897–1908), who popularized works by the Russian school of composers such as Tchaikovsky and Glazunov. Napravnik's successor, Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov, commonly programmed works with a politically and ethically charged message within their compositions and presented these works in nationalistic contexts. The Philharmonia was closed in 1918 with the October Revolution. Many of the leading musicians of the orchestra followed Napravnik to the New Russian Symphony Orchestra in France. During the Siege of Leningrad the orchestra was reactivated and its leader Alexander Kambouris constructed a makeshift orchestra dubbed ‘the orchestra of militiamen and citizens’. The orchestra was eventually reformed in 1946 and became a leader in the Russian music scene. It has since played host to some of the world’s most renowned conductors and soloists, including Valery Gergiev, Valery Afanassiev, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Today, the St. Petersburg Philarmonia has returned to its traditional repertoire of works from the Russian Classical and Romantic periods and continues to promote contemporary composers in its concert programmes. Visit one of the famous monuments of Russia with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The St. Petersburg Philharmonia was founded in 1907 and is one of the oldest philharmonic societies in Russia. 2. Often referred to as the birthplace of Russian classical music, its concerts are highly sought after by both local and international music lovers. 3. It houses the famous and beloved St. Petersburg Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the oldest and most respected philharmonic orchestras in the world. 4. Home to one of the most iconic musical stage-sets in the world- the Great Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonia, its architecture is breathtaking. 5. Many famous composers like Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Prokofiev have premiered their works here. 6. Tchaikovsky famously conducted the very first concert in St. Petersburg Philharmonia's Great Hall in 1882. 7. The Philharmonia is renowned for its innovative festival programming, curating concerts showcasing the works of living composers, leading contemporary ensembles, and acclaimed soloists. 8. It features regular performances by both Russian and international musical stars, such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Valery Gergiev, and Yuri Temirkanov. 9. It is home of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Choir- one of the world's oldest choral groups. 10. In 1915 Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition was performed here for the first time. One of the historical monuments of Russia, it tells the story of a bygone era