Details

The Golden Age was Shostakovich's first ballet, commissioned in 1929 when he was only 23. It was premiered in 1930 by the Mariinsky Theatre (known at the time as the Leningrad State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre). The original story of The Golden Age concerns the adventures of a group of Soviet sportsmen and their victory over capitalist opponents during showcase contests. Written in the wake of his first visit to the Weimar Germany, Shostakovich's exuberant and witty score uses many dance forms including polkas, tangos and foxtrots and has all the brilliance of a Buster Keaton movie. For the Shostakovich centenary the Miriinsky is commissioning a new production of this ballet. Presented by The Mariinsky Theatre Trust. Supported by Peter Moores Foundation