Kontraktova Square, former Club of Food Industry Workers
Kiev Municipal Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet for Young Spectators
Address: 2, Mezhygirska Str., Kiev
Phone: +38044 425-42-80, 425-30-15, 425-49-31
It is one of the Kyiv theatres, created at the beginning of 1980th, the period when the revival of cultural life began in the city, and Kyiv became one of the stage capitals of former Soviet Union. The theatre was created in 1982, the year of 1500year anniversary celebration of Kyiv. In 20 years it got the rank of "Academic".
An introductory word before the beginning of the performance and a small, comfortable hall remarkably assist in the establishment of confidence and touching atmosphere of contact with a fairy-tale. The troupe makes an effort to continue the tradition of creation of opera theatres especially for children. There are not too many similar theatres in the world. An opera theatre for children and youth is rather an exception to the rule, even for Western Europe.
The troupe consists of opera and ballet troupes, symphonic orchestra, and choir. The company promotes national opera-ballet art, and enjoys wide popularity in the countries of Europe, Asia, and America.
Large amount of works of cantata-oratorial genre in the repertoire is reputed a special merit of the theatre. "Requiem" by Mozart, "Stabat mater" by Rossini, "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff and "Requiem" by Alfred Schnittke are among them. Such concerts have an elucidative orientation and add an important page into the general palette of concerto life of Kyiv.
For years of creative activity the theatre released more than 80 plays, 40 plays were performed for the first time. Nowadays the repertoire includes about 50 striking plays highly appreciated by the Ukrainian and foreign press.
Till 2006 the Kyiv municipal academic theatre of opera and ballet for children and youth was headed by the well-known actor, People's Artist of Ukraine Mykolay Merzlikin (1936-2006). The present artistic leader and main conductor of the theatre is People’s Artist of Ukraine Oleksiy Fedorovych Baklan..
The theatre is located in very interesting building - former Club of workers in the food industry, built in 1931-32. It is historical monument and remarkable architectural model of the Kyiv constructivism. The building blends well with the surrounding historical ensemble of the Contractova Square, originally harmonizing with old building of the Kyiv-Mohylanska academy of XVI century located across the street.