Ready to hit every high note

It will be followed by the Asian premiere of the Mariinsky Theatre's 2025 production of Verdi's Aida at Harmony Hall from Oct 30 to Nov 1. One of Russia's oldest theaters, the Mariinsky traces its roots back to 1783. Its ballet company, opera company, chorus, and symphony orchestra form a treasure in the world's artistic landscape.

Led by its artistic director, Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky Theatre will send a team of nearly 300 people to perform at the SGOH. The Mariinsky Orchestra will present Shostakovich Symphonies Cycle in the 1,200-seat Soar Theatre from Oct 23 to 28. Following last year's complete Mahler symphonies in Shanghai, the Shostakovich Symphonies Cycle marks another important feat achieved by the Mariinsky Orchestra and Gergiev for Shanghai's classical music scene.

The third opera, making its first Asian performance at the SGOH, will be Der Rosenkavalier from the Berlin State Opera in Germany. Conducted by the company's music director Christian Thielemann, the opera will be performed in Harmony Hall on Nov 8-12.

Richard Strauss's classic comedy-opera, Der Rosenkavalier, blends romantic melody with witty comedy, using a rose motif to depict the many facets of Viennese aristocratic life. It is the most anticipated opera by conductor Xu Zhong, who enjoys the production for its innovative approach to storytelling, which highlights the connection between the main characters rather than a dramatic ending.