Major Attractions
Theaters & Concert Halls
Lunacharsky Drama Theater
Puppet Theater
Evening Theater
Razgulyai Folklore Theater
Taneyev Regional Philharmonic Concert Hall
Choral Music Center of Vladimir-Suzdal
This theater is one of the oldest in the country. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1997. Vladimir 's first theater was established in 1847, in a wooden building near the Golden Gates. It moved to the Public Meeting Hall when it was finished in 1905.
The theater moved into its current building, which is also next to the Golden Gates, in 1971. The new building received a State Prize for its design.
The current facility houses two stages. The small auditorium has a seating capacity of 100. The main auditorium seats 700.
Performances range from both Russian and foreign classics to modern plays—both “popular” and “experimental.” Some of the productions are sold out 3 or more months in advance. But tickets for most performances are usually available.
The theater has been designated one of the top drama programs in the country and has received the title of “academic theater.”
The season is from the beginning of October through the end of May. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, touring companies performed over the summer—but, because of tight budgets, this is no longer common practice.
The Vladimir theater's troupe does manage to do some summer touring—and they rehearse new plays during the break.
Web site: http://vladtheatre.narod.ru (Russian only)
When it was founded in 1969, the Vladimir Region Puppet Theater was given the task by the Soviet government of contributing to the education of Russia 's youth. In 1972, the theater moved into the former Public Meeting Hall after the Drama Theater moved to its current location.
The theater specializes in large “stick” puppets, but they also work with string and hand puppets. They have earned substantial recognition for their work, especially among children and their parents.
The theater has a capacity of 280. The season runs from September through the end of June.
Housed in the same building as the Puppet Theater—and sharing the same stage—this independent group was founded in 2001. They specialize primarily in comedies. Their season runs from October to the end of May or beginning of June.
Razgulyai Folklore Theater
Razgulyai is a professional company established in 1993. They have already enchanted many thousands of theatergoers—young and old, Russian and foreign. The troupe changes its repertoire from one performance to the next—and audience members can be called on stage at any time. Those who have seen similar performances in St. Petersburg and Moscow generally prefer the “less commercial” Vladimir version.
Taneyev Regional Philharmonic Concert Hall
Built in 1967, the concert hall can seat 700 people. A number of Vladimir-based performing groups “belong” to the “Philharmonic” as it is generally known. These include the Russian Chamber Orchestra, the Chamber String Orchestra, Ensemble Rus (a very talented folk group), and Amadeus, a “world class” nine-member a cappella choir.
In addition to hosting performances by Vladimir-based groups, the Philharmonic regularly presents concerts by touring groups. These concerts range from classical to folk to pop.
Choral Music Center of Vladimir-Suzdal
Founded in 1987 by Professor Eduard Markin, this choral program has earned an international reputation for excellence. There's a music school and a training program for members of the various performing groups. These include boys' and girls' choirs, a Men's Vocal Ensemble, and a Chamber Choir.
Concerts were initially performed in the Church of St. George—until this was returned to the Orthodox Church. Performances are now held in the Hall of Classical Music at 28 Bolshaya Moskovskaya. This concert hall, which was built in 1884, was renovated for the choral program. It is also the performance venue for the Governor's Symphony Orchestra.
The performance season runs from October through the middle of June—with the choirs touring Russia and abroad for a part of the season.
Several venues, including the Planetarium and auditoriums owned by factories, host occasional performances and concerts. Check with the Oblast Tourist Information Center for current offerings.