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This November, the Bolshoi Theatre invites us into the vibrant, whimsical, and deeply human world of Dmitri Shostakovich’s ballet The Bright Stream, Op. 39—one of the composer’s most charming and ingenious creations. A ballet filled with humor, heart, lyrical beauty, and symphonic brilliance, The Bright Stream remains a luminous testament to Shostakovich’s gift for storytelling through music.
First premiered in 1935, this ballet continues to captivate audiences with its irresistible blend of comedy and sophistication, its sweeping melodies, and its playful traditions of masquerade, mistaken identity, and theatrical surprise. The choreography—clever, character-driven, and full of joyful invention—showcases the expressive power of classical dance at its finest. Witty, warm, and wonderfully alive, it is a ballet that leaves the audience smiling long after the final curtain falls.
The Bolshoi’s orchestra breathes vibrant life into Shostakovich’s extraordinary score, a tapestry of brilliant colors, dances, lyrical passages, and sparkling orchestral textures. From delightful waltzes and joyous galops to tender adagios and vivid character moments, the music is a masterpiece in its own right—one that elevates every gesture, every step, every moment on stage.
This season’s performances promise to be truly exceptional. With some of the Bolshoi’s most beloved stars alternating in the leading roles—many of them audience favorites across Russia and around the world—each cast brings its own magic, personality, and brilliance to the story. Below is the complete schedule, featuring all casts for this remarkable series of performances:
🌾 November 22 — Matinée (12:00)
A matinée full of elegance and charm, highlighted by the refined artistry of Kristina Kretova and the celebrated brilliance of Artem Ovcharenko.
🌙 November 22 — Evening Performance (19:00)
Anna Nikulina—who recently triumphed in The Firebird—returns to enchant audiences once again, joined by Eleonora Sevenard’s luminous stage presence and the dramatic power of Denis Rodkin and Vladislav Lantratov. An evening performance with all the excitement of a gala.
🌞 November 23 — Matinée (12:00)
Maria Koshkaryova, whose elegance and refinement continue to enchant audiences, leads this matinée full of youthful energy and beautiful character interpretation.
🌟 November 23 — Second Performance
The presence of Artem Ovcharenko—one of the Bolshoi’s most admired dancers, beloved for his noble style and impeccable technique—adds brilliance to this performance. Maria Vinogradova and Ivan Vasilev bring fire, musicality, and virtuosity to their roles, while Anastasia Stashkevich’s charm and theatrical clarity promise a truly unforgettable interpretation of Zina.
Celebrated for its triumphant success in Manhattan during the Bolshoi’s New York tour, The Bright Stream returns now to Moscow ready to shine once again—maybe even brighter than before.
This is a ballet of pure entertainment, sparkling artistry, and theatrical delight. A celebration of dance, music, and storytelling that warms the heart and lifts the spirit.
