Moscow, Russia — After a meticulous five-year period of reconstruction, the Grand Hall of the Moscow State Academic Children`s Musical Theatre named after Natalia Sats has finally reopened its doors, marking the beginning of its much-anticipated 60th anniversary season. This monumental occasion not only signifies the return of a beloved cultural institution to its full glory but also ushers in a new era of technological prowess for one of the city`s most cherished venues.
A Journey Through Time and Transformation
Since 2019, the venerable institution, recognized as an architectural monument of Soviet constructivism, had been operating in a state of partial accessibility. While the Small Stage and elements of the foyer kept the magic alive for audiences, the extensive work on the Grand Hall and its surrounding production facilities demanded significant dedication. The comprehensive modernization is now largely complete, allowing the theatre to proudly present a space that elegantly marries historical grandeur with cutting-edge innovation.
The recent gathering of the theatre`s troupe, held on the birthday of its visionary founder, Natalia Ilyinichna Sats, served as the unofficial inauguration. Gracing the event was the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Olga Lyubimova, whose presence underscored the national significance of this cultural revival. While final touches and commissioning works continue in the Grand and Small foyers, the Grand Hall itself stands ready to welcome its first full audiences, having already impressed staff and media representatives.
The Grand Hall: Where Heritage Meets High-Tech
Stepping into the refurbished Grand Hall is an experience in itself. The 1000-seat capacity, diligently preserved through optimization, now features an inviting array of modern, ergonomically designed seats with freely reclining backs, rendered in striking shades of blue for the front rows, green for the middle, and red for the rear. True to its iconic heritage, the famous “Wave” outline of the balcony, a beloved feature from childhood memories, retains its distinctive blue hue.
Technological Marvels Under the Blue Bird
Beneath the theatre`s world-renowned Blue Bird sculpture with its golden lyre, nestled within the central tower – which, incidentally, houses the highest point of the backstage space at 27 meters – lies a truly unique assembly of stage equipment. The sound system is hailed as one of the most advanced in the world, ensuring every note and whisper resonates with crystal clarity. Six tiers of spotlights and other sophisticated equipment promise unparalleled visual dynamism for every performance.
But the innovations don`t stop there. The entire engineering and technological infrastructure has undergone a comprehensive upgrade. The antiquated complex was meticulously dismantled and replaced with modern scenic equipment, including state-of-the-art safety systems. Perhaps most impressively, the unique side spaces of the stage have been fully integrated, transforming it into a versatile stage-transformer, capable of adapting to the most ambitious artistic visions.
A particular point of pride for the theatre is its significantly expanded and deepened orchestra pit, now almost double its previous size. Artistic Director Georgy Isaakyan, who recently celebrated 15 years at the helm and had his contract extended for another five, enthusiastically detailed its capabilities: “The orchestra pit`s portico lowers into the floor, allowing it to become part of the hall, from where additional rows of seats can rise, further increasing the hall`s capacity. There`s even a second ledge and a secondary pit. New lighting rigs and control panels have been installed. We will have to practice extensively in the coming months to master this digital technology.” A challenge, perhaps, but certainly an exciting one for the technical team.
A Season of Celebrations and Artistic Milestones
During the celebratory meeting, Minister Lyubimova expressed heartfelt joy at the theatre`s return. “We all rejoice in your return to your home, to your native stage,” she stated. “We are happy for the troupe, who will soon be able to perform on their stage again. We are happy for the theatre`s audience, the children, who will have the opportunity to find themselves in this magical place, in a wonderful, updated, renovated hall, and to see performances created using the very latest theatrical and stage equipment. We were all very anxious during the reconstruction, during which some of the children have already grown up. We all very much wanted the work to be completed quickly, and now we are endlessly happy that it is almost here.”
She extended her best wishes for absolute sold-out performances, creative triumphs, and significant artistic discoveries, also presenting commendations and letters of appreciation from the Ministry of Culture to distinguished artists and staff members. Among those recognized were premier ballet dancer Ivan Titov, orchestra artist Ilya Kirilichev, vocal coach Darya Smirnova, and head of international cooperation Anastasia Rakhmanova.
Artistic Director Georgy Isaakyan outlined an ambitious program for the 2025-2026 season. While the Grand Stage awaits its official public debut, the anniversary season will kick off on September 28th at Zaryadye Hall. This prominent Moscow academic venue will host the “anniversary Moscow tour” of the Natalia Sats Children`s Musical Theatre, featuring soloists and the orchestra under Chief Conductor Artem Makarov, performing Walter Braunfels` opera “The Birds” – a Russian premiere from the previous season.
Highlights of the 60th Anniversary Season:
- November 3rd: The Moscow premiere of Alexander Tchaikovsky`s opera “Three Sisters,” based on Anton Chekhov`s play, directed by Georgy Isaakyan, will take place at the RAMT stage as part of the 10th anniversary “SEE THE MUSIC” festival.
- November 6th: A grand celebration, the Gala-performance concert “Natalia Sats Theatre — 60!” will be held at the State Kremlin Palace.
- November 14th: Kirill Simonov, Artistic Director of Ballet, will premiere his original chamber ballet “Toy Box” set to Claude Debussy`s music on the Small Stage, also within the “SEE THE MUSIC” festival.
- November 21st: The theatre`s actual birthday will be marked by a festive concert on the Small Stage.
- Further celebrating its legacy, a documentary film about the Natalia Sats Theatre will be broadcast on the “Culture” TV channel, accompanied by a book commemorating six decades of its vibrant life. A special anniversary disc will also be released in collaboration with the “Melodiya” firm.
The successful “RE-Construction” cycle will continue into the new season, promising several concerts featuring rare and seldom-performed musical rarities. These include a Concert for Music Day on October 1st and the December premiere of Edward Lambert`s opera “Six Characters in Search of a Stage,” inspired by Luigi Pirandello`s classic play, directed by Maria Fomicheva.
Adding a touch of mystique, an as-yet-unannounced ballet premiere is also slated for the season: a new edition of Sergei Prokofiev`s “Cinderella.” Affectionately known as the “Victory Ballet” (its premiere in November 1945 marked the first post-war ballet), this work is unfortunately rarely performed in Moscow today. While the official opening date for the Grand Stage remains flexible due to ongoing finishing touches, ballet enthusiasts can anticipate this special surprise closer to the end of the anniversary season.
A Bright Future for Moscow`s Young Audiences
The reopening of the Grand Hall at the Natalia Sats Children`s Musical Theatre is more than just a renovation; it`s a reaffirmation of Moscow`s commitment to nurturing young minds through the magic of live performance. With its blend of historic architecture and cutting-edge technology, coupled with an ambitious and diverse artistic program, the theatre is poised to continue its legacy as a beacon of culture, inspiring generations of children and adults alike for decades to come.
