Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre has announced a robust 2026 season, featuring both classic and contemporary works. Among the highlights is a new run of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s and performances of “Sleeping Beauty” at the New Stage, alongside a production of “Romeo and Juliet” by Sergei Prokofiev on and at the Main Stage.
The Bolshoi’s “Sleeping Beauty,” choreographed by Marius Petipa and Jean-Guillaume Bart, promises a lavish spectacle. Set and costume design are by Olga Shaishmelashvili, with lighting design by Evgeny Ganzburg. Tickets for the ballet begin at $264. The production, a ballet in three acts, runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission. The world premiere took place at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
Beyond “Sleeping Beauty” and “Romeo and Juliet,” the 2026 season boasts a diverse repertoire. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” will be staged on and , as well as and at the Stanislavsky Theatre. Ludwig Minkus’s “La Bayadere” is scheduled for , , and at the New Stage. Boris Asafiev’s “The Flames of Paris” will be performed on , , , , and at the Stanislavsky Theatre.
Tchaikovsky remains a central figure in the Bolshoi’s programming. “Swan Lake,” a ballet in two acts, is set for performances on , , , and at the New Stage. The theatre will also present Tchaikovsky’s opera “Iolanta” on at the Stanislavsky Theatre, and “The Queen of Spades” on an unspecified date.
The Bolshoi’s season extends beyond the Russian repertoire. Adolphe Adam’s “Giselle” will be performed on and at the New Stage, while Dmitry Shostakovich’s “The Bright Stream” is scheduled for , , and at the Main Stage.
The Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre operates as both a primary and secondary ticket reseller, meaning ticket prices may fluctuate above or below face value. The theatre is offering a chance to win a backstage tour for two, a promotion running concurrently with ticket sales. Performances are held across three venues: the Main Stage on Teatralnaya ploschad, the New Stage on Bol’shaya Dmitrovka Street, and the Stanislavsky Theatre, also on Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street.
The announcement comes as the broader classical music and ballet world continues to navigate a changing landscape. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s works, including “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Swan Lake,” and “The Nutcracker,” remain cornerstones of the repertoire, consistently drawing audiences worldwide. Vivid Seats currently lists Tchaikovsky performances across the US, including a Los Angeles Philharmonic spectacular with fireworks on .
The Bolshoi’s 2026 season reflects its commitment to both preserving the traditions of classical ballet and opera and presenting a diverse range of works to its audiences. The inclusion of both established favorites and less frequently performed pieces suggests a desire to appeal to both seasoned patrons and new audiences. The theatre’s online platform provides a comprehensive schedule and ticketing information, catering to a global audience.
