Few ballets combine dazzling virtuosity, romantic adventure, historical charm, and pure theatrical spectacle as magnificently as Marco Spada. In June 2026, ballet lovers will have the extraordinary opportunity to experience this remarkable production performed by the legendary Bolshoi Theatre in the beautiful city of Saint Petersburg, on the stage of the magnificent Mariinsky II.
This special engagement brings together some of the finest artists of the Bolshoi Ballet, offering audiences the chance to see world-class dancers perform one of the most entertaining and demanding works in the classical repertoire. For ballet enthusiasts, this is much more than a performance—it is an event of exceptional artistic significance.
The Fascinating Story of Marco Spada
The origins of Marco Spada reach back to the golden age of French Romantic ballet. The story centers on the charismatic noble bandit Marco Spada, a daring outlaw who steals from the wealthy while concealing his true identity beneath the elegant mask of an aristocrat. Filled with intrigue, disguises, romance, swordplay, and dramatic revelations, the plot captivated nineteenth-century audiences who delighted in its blend of adventure and theatrical excitement.
Before becoming a ballet, Marco Spada existed as an opera by the celebrated French composer Daniel François Esprit Auber. Following the success of the opera, Auber transformed some of its most memorable musical numbers into a ballet score. Choreographed by Joseph Mazilier, the ballet premiered at the Paris Opera in the mid-nineteenth century and enjoyed considerable popularity.
Like many ballets of that era, however, Marco Spada eventually disappeared from the stage. Its choreography was lost, and for decades the work survived only as a historical memory.
Pierre Lacotte and the Resurrection of a Lost Masterpiece
The ballet's remarkable revival is one of the great success stories in modern ballet history.
The visionary French choreographer Pierre Lacotte devoted much of his career to reconstructing and reimagining forgotten treasures of the nineteenth century. Fascinated by the elegance and theatrical richness of historical ballet, Lacotte undertook the enormous challenge of bringing Marco Spada back to life.
Because almost none of the original choreography survived, Lacotte had to recreate the ballet virtually from the ground up. Drawing inspiration from historical documents, period aesthetics, and Auber's music, he fashioned an entirely new version that preserved the spirit of the original while satisfying the technical and artistic expectations of contemporary audiences.
The result was a triumph.
Premiered in 1981 at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Lacotte's version quickly gained recognition as one of the most successful revivals of a lost nineteenth-century ballet. The choreography demands extraordinary technical skill from every member of the cast. Principal dancers, soloists, and corps de ballet alike are challenged by intricate footwork, brilliant jumps, elegant partnering, dramatic pantomime, and an abundance of virtuosic variations.
The Bolshoi Ballet and Marco Spada
A particularly important chapter in the ballet's history began when Lacotte staged his revised production for the Bolshoi Ballet.
Premiered at the Bolshoi in November 2013 and revived in 2023, the production showcases everything that makes the company famous throughout the world: heroic male dancing, glamorous ballerinas, rich theatrical characterization, and a grand sense of spectacle.
Lacotte greatly admired Russian dancers and created a version that allows the Bolshoi artists to display the full range of their talents. The ballet includes two major ballerina roles, several leading male parts, demanding solo variations, ensemble dances, comic scenes, dramatic confrontations, and lavish courtly celebrations.
Every act offers a feast of classical dancing. The aristocratic pas de deux radiate elegance, the character roles sparkle with personality, and the corps de ballet contributes to the colourful atmosphere of a world filled with noble palaces, mountain hideouts, secret identities, and romantic adventures.
A Special Ballet Event in Saint Petersburg
For ballet lovers visiting Saint Petersburg in June 2026, these performances represent an exceptional opportunity.
Saint Petersburg is often described as one of the great capitals of classical ballet. The city breathes dance history. It was here that generations of legendary artists shaped the traditions that continue to inspire dancers around the globe. To see the stars of the Bolshoi Ballet perform Marco Spada in the magnificent Mariinsky II is to witness a meeting of two of Russia's greatest ballet institutions.
The modern architecture and superb acoustics of Mariinsky II provide a spectacular setting for this colourful production. Against this magnificent backdrop, audiences will experience a ballet that combines French Romantic charm, Italian theatrical flair, and the power and virtuosity of the Russian classical tradition.
Whether you are a dedicated balletomane or a newcomer discovering classical ballet for the first time, Marco Spada offers everything one could hope for: memorable music, dazzling technique, dramatic storytelling, beautiful costumes, and performances by some of the finest dancers of their generation.
These performances are not merely another stop on the ballet calendar. They are a rare chance to see a seldom-performed masterpiece interpreted by artists from one of the world's most celebrated companies, in one of the world's most beautiful cultural cities.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND CASTS
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 – 19:00
Conductor: Alexei Bogorad
Marco Spada: Igor Tsvirko
Angela: Maria Koshkaryova
Marchioness Sampietri: Maria Vinogradova
Prince Federici: Dmitry Vyskubenko
Count Pepinelli: Alexei Putintsev
Igor Tsvirko (Marco Spada): Stepping into the title role of the noble bandit, Tsvirko delivers a virtuoso performance. Known for his commanding stage presence and gravity-defying leaps, his portrayal is nothing short of electrifying, blending raw athletic power with sophisticated theatrical charm.
Maria Koshkaryova (Angela): Bringing a sublime delicacy to the role of Angela, Koshkaryova shines with her exquisite lyricism and immaculate technique. Her fluid lines and emotional depth capture the true essence of Lacotte’s demanding romantic heroine.
Maria Vinogradova (Marchioness Sampietri): Vinogradova commands the stage with an unrivaled elegance and regal charisma. Her interpretation of the Marchioness is peerless, balancing razor-sharp technical control with a sharp, engaging dramatic wit.
Dmitry Vyskubenko (Prince Federici): Embodying the ideal noble cavalier, Vyskubenko is exemplary in his partnering and execution. His performance radiates a flawless classical gallantry that grounds the complex narratives of the ballet.
Alexei Putintsev (Count Pepinelli): Providing brilliant energy to the evening, Putintsev's precision and lightness are extraordinary. His sharp comedic timing and dazzling allegro work make every moment on stage utterly captivating.
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Conductor: Alexei Bogorad
Marco Spada: Dmitry Smilevsky
Angela: Anastasia Smirnova
Marchioness Sampietri: Yaroslavna Kuprina
Prince Federici: Klim Efimov
Count Pepinelli: Filippo Ferdinando Pagani
The enchantment of Marco Spada continues with another phenomenal cast that highlights the absolute elite of the company. This lineup brings a vibrant, fresh energy to Pierre Lacotte’s intricately demanding choreography, turning this performance into another unmissable highlight of the Stars of the White Nights Festival at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Dmitry Smilevsky (Marco Spada): Taking on the double-life of the bandit chief, Smilevsky is breathtaking. His interpretation combines a magnetic stage persona with an effortless, soaring technique, making his performance a thrilling display of pure bravura.
Anastasia Smirnova (Angela): Bringing a radiant charm to the role of Marco Spada's daughter, Smirnova is stellar. Her performance is characterized by razor-sharp precision and a captivating warmth that instantly wins the hearts of the audience.
Yaroslavna Kuprina (Marchioness Sampietri): Kuprina delivers a magisterial performance as the aristocratic Marchioness. Her commanding presence and unblemished classical style bring a sophisticated depth and striking sophistication to the stage.
Klim Efimov (Prince Federici): Embodying the aristocratic suitor, Efimov is impeccable. His partnering is remarkably secure, and his refined, princely bearing ensures that every movement exudes a natural, majestic grace.
Filippo Ferdinando Pagani (Count Pepinelli): Injecting the production with sparkling dynamism, Pagani is splendid. His footwork is lightning-fast, and his consummate artistry adds a wonderful layer of wit and vibrancy to the performance.
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Conductor: Alexei Bogorad
Marco Spada: Denis Zakharov
Angela: Eleonora Sevenard
Marchioness Sampietri: Alyona Kovalyova
Prince Federici: Mark Chino
Count Pepinelli: Egor Gerashchenko
The brilliance of Marco Spada ascends to yet another pinnacle of artistic achievement with this astounding roster. Blending immense dramatic intensity with unmatched physical capability, this cast guarantees another legendary evening of dance under the unwavering, authoritative musical direction of maestro Alexei Bogorad.
Denis Zakharov (Marco Spada): Stepping into the title role, Zakharov delivers a stupendous interpretation. He brings a fierce, riveting intensity to the stage, combining a powerful dramatic edge with explosive jumps and flawlessly executed turns.
Eleonora Sevenard (Angela): Sevenard is luminescent as the innocent yet passionate Angela. Her performance is a masterclass in beguiling grace, where every delicate gesture and complex technical sequence feels effortlessly poetic.
Alyona Kovalyova (Marchioness Sampietri): Standing as a beacon of high classical style, Kovalyova is breathtakingly majestic. Her infinite extensions, exceptional long lines, and regal authority create a mesmerizing and unforgettable portrait of the Marchioness.
Mark Chino (Prince Federici): Chino portrays the noble Prince with a superb blend of strength and refinement. His partnering is faultless, providing a steady, reliable anchor while maintaining an elegant, statuesque presence throughout the performance.
Egor Gerashchenko (Count Pepinelli): Bringing incredible charisma to the stage, Gerashchenko is sensational. His performance bursts with a vibrant vitality, showcasing exceptionally crisp, clean allegro technique and delightful theatrical charm.
Friday, 26 June 2026 – Matinée Performance
Conductor: Alexei Bogorad
Marco Spada: Makar Mikhalkin
Angela: Anastasia Smirnova
Marchioness Sampietri: Arina Denisova
Prince Federici: Klim Efimov
Count Pepinelli: Filippo Ferdinando Pagani
An Unparalleled Display of Technical Artistry and Expressive ChemistryThe spectacular season of Marco Spada reaches another level of artistic brilliance with this wondrous lineup. Bringing together exceptionally gifted soloists and principal figures, this cast infuses Pierre Lacotte’s complex choreography with a vibrant, cohesive energy that promises an unforgettable evening under the steady, inspiring baton of maestro Alexei Bogorad.
Makar Mikhalkin (Marco Spada): Portraying the charismatic bandit chief, Mikhalkin is phenomenal. He commands the stage with a gripping intensity, combining astonishing physical power with a nuanced, deeply engaging dramatic interpretation.
Anastasia Smirnova (Angela): Returning to the role of Angela with this specific partnership, Smirnova is captivating. Her performance features dazzling footwork and a luminous stage presence that fills every corner of the theater with genuine warmth.
Arina Denisova (Marchioness Sampietri): Denisova brings an exquisite sophistication to the aristocratic Marchioness. Her performance is immaculate, characterized by stunningly fluid lines and a sharp, aristocratic wit that perfectly suits the character.
Klim Efimov (Prince Federici): Returning as the noble prince, Efimov is masterful. His execution is a testament to supreme classical training, offering rock-solid partnering and a refined, dignified bearing that is utterly convincing.
Filippo Ferdinando Pagani (Count Pepinelli): Providing the production's brilliant spark, Pagani is exuberant. His technical precision is spectacular, delivering rapid-fire allegro sequences and comedic timing with effortless, infectious charm.
Friday, 26 June 2026 – Evening Performance
Conductor: Alexei Bogorad
Marco Spada: Dmitry Smilevsky
Angela: Maria Koshkaryova
Marchioness Sampietri: Maria Vinogradova
Prince Federici: Dmitry Vyskubenko
Count Pepinelli: Alexei Putintsev
A Grand and Historic Finale to a Triumphant TourThe monumental run of Marco Spada culminates on Friday, June 26, 2026, with an astounding closing performance that brings together an elite combination of the company's brightest stars. Under the stirring, authoritative baton of maestro Alexei Bogorad, this grand finale at the Mariinsky Theatre promises an evening of soaring emotions and technical marvels.
Dmitry Smilevsky (Marco Spada): Leading the final performance, Smilevsky is incandescent. His portrayal of the legendary bandit is a transcendent display of bravura, combining gravity-defying leaps with a deeply layered, charismatic dramatic performance.
Maria Koshkaryova (Angela): Bringing the tour to a poetic close, Koshkaryova is enchanting. Her interpretation shines with an unrivaled sensitivity, weaving intricate, razor-sharp pointework with a deeply moving, lyrical stage presence.
Maria Vinogradova (Marchioness Sampietri): Vinogradova delivers a peerless performance as the aristocratic Marchioness. Her commanding lines, spectacular extensions, and breathtaking dramatic presence capture the very essence of high-society elegance.
Dmitry Vyskubenko (Prince Federici): Embodying the ultimate classical hero, Vyskubenko is exemplary. His partnering is flawless, providing a reliable, statuesque anchor for the choreography while displaying a beautifully refined, noble technique.
Alexei Putintsev (Count Pepinelli): Giving a brilliant spark to the final evening, Putintsev is sensational. His lightning-fast allegro work and sparkling comedic timing ensure that every moment he is on stage is utterly unforgettable.
A Triumphant Conclusion of Absolute EqualityAs the curtain falls on this spectacular block of dates, this final performance stands as a perfect testament to the uncompromised excellence of the entire tour. The company has maintained an identical level of world-class brilliance from the first night to the very last.This closing lineup does not overshadow the previous days, nor is it lesser; it is a parallel peak of artistic perfection, ensuring the historic tour concludes at the absolute zenith of classical ballet.
An Unmissable Celebration of Classical Ballet
The arrival of the Bolshoi Ballet in Saint Petersburg with Pierre Lacotte's splendid Marco Spada promises to be one of the most memorable ballet events of the 2026 season. Rich in history, overflowing with technical brilliance, and performed by an outstanding cast of Bolshoi stars, this production embodies everything that makes classical ballet such a captivating art form.
For a few special evenings in June, audiences in Saint Petersburg will have the privilege of stepping into a world of romance, adventure, aristocratic elegance, and breathtaking dance. In the magnificent surroundings of Mariinsky II, Marco Spada will once again reveal why this long-lost masterpiece has earned its place among the great treasures of the ballet repertoire.
