50 years on the musical theatre stage, over 300 productions, awards, and worldwide recognition

Yuri Alexandrov — a great director and founder of the St. Petersburg Opera House.

Yuri Alexandrov's Artistic Career

Yuri Alexandrov is one of the most prominent figures in the world of Russian musical theatre. His career spans five decades and is marked by incredible achievements in opera direction.

In 1987, he founded the St. Petersburg Opera, which has since become not just an opera stage, but a true cultural center where tradition and innovation harmoniously combine.

Yuri Alexandrov is a world-renowned artist whose productions are staged at the most prestigious theatre venues in the world, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Yuri Alexandrov's Directing Philosophy

Yuri Alexandrov is known for his ability to overcome established theatrical canons, creating productions that often provoke lively discussion and debate.

His approach to direction is based on deep research into musical dramaturgy and attention to every artist and their role in the performance. In his work, he combines the traditions of opera theatre with modern theatrical and visual technologies.

His philosophy: "Every performance is a quest, it is not just the performance of music, but the creation of living theatrical life." Inspired by the great masters of theatre, Yuri Alexandrov brings his innovative ideas and a fresh perspective to every project.

“Theatre is not just an art, it is a way of life. We live by it, and it lives through us." — Yuri Alexandrov

St. Petersburg Opera – A Laboratory of Art

In 1987,

Yuri Alexandrov founded the Chamber Music Theatre, which was later named the St. Petersburg Opera.

The theatre was conceived as a creative laboratory for searching for new stage forms and languages. Today, it is one of Europe's leading musical theatres, proud of its repertoire, which includes unique works staged exclusively on its stage. The theatre is known for its bold direction, authorial approach to the classics, and experiments with new theatrical forms.

Awards and International Recognition

Yuri Alexandrov has been awarded numerous prizes and awards for his contribution to the development of musical theatre.

In 2024, he was awarded the Honorary Badge "For Special Contribution to the Development of St. Petersburg," and in 2025 he received the medal "For Strengthening Peace, Friendship and Cooperation" from Rossotrudnichestvo.

His international recognition is confirmed by awards and honorary titles, as well as the constant tours of the "St. Petersburg Opera" Theatre on world stages.

2025

Medal "For Strengthening Peace, Friendship and Cooperation," Rossotrudnichestvo

Special "Golden Mask" Award "For Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Theatrical Art"

2024

Honorary Badge "For Special Contribution to the Development of St. Petersburg"

Russian Federation Government Prize in the Field of Culture

2022

Award of the VI All-Russian Festival "Volga Theatre Seasons" for outstanding contribution to the development of musical theatre in Russia

2020

State Prize of the Republic of Tatarstan

2019

Order of Honour

2018

"Legend" Award of the V Festival of Russian Musical Theatres "See the Music"

2016

Certificate of Honour from the President of the Russian Federation

2008

Person of the Year of the Republic of Karelia

2007

Honorary Badge "For Merits to St. Petersburg"

2006

State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Order "Dostyk"

2002

People's Artist of the Russian Federation

2000

Order of Friendship

What Makes the St. Petersburg Opera Theatre Unique Today?

Today, the St. Petersburg Opera is a dynamically developing stage hosting not only classical operas but also avant-garde productions, musicals, and contemporary opera works.

The theatre attracts the attention of audiences and critics with its vibrant productions and unique interpretations of famous works. In its work, the theatre continues to seek new forms of interaction with the public and actively develops educational projects for the younger generation of artists.

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Testimonials and Gratitude

Numerous theatres and cultural figures have expressed their gratitude to Yuri Alexandrov for his contribution to the world musical theatre. Colleagues, audiences, and cultural institutions highly value his work and outstanding professionalism.

Here's what they say about him:

"Thank you for many years of creative work, loyalty to your chosen cause, and our beloved city."

A.D. Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg

"Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your many years of fruitful work and loyalty to your vocation."

A.N. Belsky, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg

"Your talent and devotion to art are admirable. Your productions grace the playbills of the world's largest theatres."

Vladimir Mashkov, Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia

"By becoming the founder of the Chamber Music Theatre, you opened up for us the world of buffoonish, ceremonious, and eternally new opera."

Sergey Parshin, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia, People's Artist of Russia

"Your productions always find a response in the hearts of the audience. They inspire the younger generation of musicians and directors."

Georgy Isaakyan, Artistic Director of the Moscow State Academic Children's Musical Theatre named after N.I. Sats

"Your enormous contribution to the development of Kazakh musical culture is recognized by all. We are proud of our long-term creative union."

Galym Akhmedyarov, Director of "Astana Opera," Honoured Figure of Kazakhstan

"You have managed to create a unique theatre where every performance becomes a true discovery."

Dmitry Bertman, General Director - Artistic Director of the Moscow Musical Theatre "Helikon-Opera," People's Artist of Russia

"Our theatre doesn't just love you — it adores you. The productions you have staged are the jewels of our repertoire."

Irina Brondz, Artistic Director of the "Karabomb" Theatre, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation

"Your performances are an important phenomenon in the cultural life of Russia and the world."

Alexey Vasilyev, Rector of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov

"Your work has always been interesting to audiences, never leaving them indifferent."

Valery Voronin, Artistic Director, Principal Conductor of the Astrakhan State Opera and Ballet Theatre

"We wholeheartedly wish that for many more years you will gift us new performances, delighting us with the unexpectedness of your perspective."

Natalya Shagova, Director of the Astrakhan State Opera and Ballet Theatre

"Over the years of devoted service to music, you have earned the respect of your colleagues and the great, sincere love of audiences of different generations."

Buri Ganiev, Director of the State Theatre of Musical Comedy (Operetta) of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Council of Directors of Theatres of Uzbekistan

"Our theatre sincerely prides itself on its cooperation with you; your productions always find a response in the hearts of the audience."

Anton Getman, Director of the Moscow Theatre "New Opera" named after E.V. Kolobov, Honoured Cultural Worker of Russia

"With all my heart, I wish you well-being, inexhaustible vitality, new creative achievements, and success in your future work for the benefit of art!"

Ekaterina Dulova, General Director of the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus, Doctor of Art History, Professor

"Your outstanding talent evokes sincere admiration and genuine respect from the entire theatre community."

Vyacheslav Kushchev, Chairman of the Rostov Regional Branch of the STD of Russia, Artistic Director - General Director of the Rostov State Musical Theatre, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation

"Your artistic ideas, your creative and human wisdom still serve as an important value guide for us."

Elena Larionova, Director of the Musical Theatre of Karelia, Honoured Cultural Worker of the Republic of Karelia

"Your performances become genuine masterpieces that continue to run on the world's best opera stages."

Evgeny Malygin, Director of the State Chamber Music Theatre "St. Petersburg Opera"

"We thank you for many years of creative friendship, for your valiant service to the theatre."

Natalia Makarova, General Director of the Samara Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after D.D. Shostakovich

"Your production of 'Turandot' at the 'Arena di Verona' was a historic event."

Fabio Mastrangelo, Artistic Director of the Musical Theatre named after F.I. Chaliapin

"We are proud of our good relations with you and wish you good health, happiness, and inexhaustible energy."

Tatyana Mezentseva, Director of the Irkutsk Regional Musical Theatre named after N.M. Zagursky

"Your enormous contribution to the development of theatrical art in our country deserves the highest praise."

Raufal Mukhametzyanov, Director of the Tatar Academic State Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Musa Jalil

"I am constantly amazed by the Master's incredible work ethic and productivity."

Viktor Minkov, Director of the Theatre named after V.F. Komissarzhevskaya, Honoured Cultural Worker of the Russian Federation

"Creative search and experimentation, the ability to always keep up with the times — that is the style of your work."

Alexey Sadovsky, Director of the Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Komi Republic

"We thank you for many years of creative friendship!"

Andrey Popov, Artistic Director, Acting Director of the Chuvash State Opera and Ballet Theatre "Volga Opera"

"Your creativity continues to illuminate the world, giving an unquenchable faith in the best. Your productions are becoming increasingly significant."

Kamoliddin Sayfiddinzoda, Director of the Tajik State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Sadriddin Ayni

"Your ability to reveal talent is inspiring and admirable."

Yulia Strizhak, Director of the Musical Theatre named after F.I. Chaliapin

"I am endlessly grateful to Yuri Isaakovich for his brilliant productions on our theatre's stage."

Yuri Schwarzopf, General Director of the St. Petersburg State Theatre of Musical Comedy

Contacts

For more information, ticket purchases, or cooperation with the theatre, please contact us using the details below.

Theatre Address

Galernaya St., 33, St. Petersburg, Russia

Phone

+7 (812) 702-61-01

info.spbopera@cult.gugov.spb.ru