The Mariinsky Orchestra. Photo by V.Baranovsky

Perhaps no other orchestra today can rival the Mariinsky Orchestra, led by Valery Gergiev, in their interpretation of the great Russian masters.

On May 16 and 17, Maestro Gergiev will once again lead the Mariinsky Orchestra to the Shenzhen Concert Hall, presenting all six of Tchaikovsky's symphonies across three performances. This is the only stop on the orchestra’s China tour this year to feature the complete Tchaikovsky symphony cycle.

As a maestro deeply attuned to the soul of the Russian people, Gergiev balances restrained poise with explosive power, capturing with breathtaking precision the most fragile sighs and the most fervent cries within Tchaikovsky's music. Under his baton, the Mariinsky Orchestra’s uniquely mellow sonority, along with its piercing brass and delicate strings, infuses these symphonies with the most authentic Russian aesthetic.

Valery Gergiev. Photo by Alexander Shapunov

As a major highlight of this year’s ICIF Art Season, the organizers have set aside special 100-yuan tickets and introduced multiple package discount options to make classical music more accessible to all.

The Mariinsky Orchestra, founded in 1783 and formerly known as the Kirov Orchestra, is one of Russia’s oldest musical institutions. Gergiev assumed the role of the Mariinsky’s chief conductor and artistic director in 1988 and became its overall director in 1996. In 1998, he led the Mariinsky Orchestra to China for the first time, delivering two performances in Beijing.

Tickets: 100–1380 yuan

Time: 11 a.m., May 16; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., May 17

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音樂廳)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit D