Raymonda

Kremlin Ballet Theatre, Moscow, Russia

Scene 1 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 2

Scene 2 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 3

Scene 3 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 4

Scene 4 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 5

Scene 5 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 6

Scene 6 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 7

Scene 7 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 8

Scene 8 from the ballet "Raymonda", photo 9

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6 PM

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Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Moscow, Russia

Starts at: 18:00

Acts: 2

Duration: 2h

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

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You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Cast

Performers

Ballet company: Kremlin Ballet

Creators

Composer: Alexander Glazunov

Librettist: Ivan Vsevolozhskiy

Author: Lidiya Pashkova

Librettist: Marius Petipa

Choreography: Marius Petipa

Overview

Raymonda enchants audiences with its elegant choreography, intricate pas de deux, and sumptuous classical style.

The noble heroism, tender love, and sparkling courtly dances create a grand spectacle that blends virtuosity with poetic drama, offering a timeless celebration of classical ballet’s beauty and sophistication.

Libretto – Based on an ancient chivalric legend, adapted by L. Pashkova, I. Vsevolozhsky, and M. Petipa
Choreographer-Director – People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Andris Liepa
Set and Costume Designer – People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Okunev
Creator and Performer of the White Lady Costume – Elena Basova

Musical Edition – International Competition Laureate Vladimir Kachesov
Conductor-Director – Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Sergey Kondrashev
Assistant Choreographers – Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Svetlana Romanova and Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Igor Pivorovich

The libretto of Raymonda draws inspiration from an ancient knightly legend. The story unfolds in Provence during the Middle Ages. Countess Raymonda de Doris and her fiancé, the noble knight Jean de Brienne, are deeply in love and eagerly await his return from a military campaign under the banners of King Andrew of Hungary.

During a celebration in honor of Raymonda’s birthday, the visiting Arab Sheikh Abderahman attempts to abduct her. At that critical moment, Jean de Brienne and King Andrew arrive. In a dramatic duel, Jean de Brienne triumphs over Abderahman, paving the way for a magnificent wedding celebration.

The new production for the Kremlin Ballet has been masterfully staged by People’s Artist of Russia Andris Liepa. His version of this legendary ballet incorporates select fragments from the historic productions of Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, blending timeless classical elegance with renewed dramatic vitality.

Raymonda was one of Petipa’s final, most successful ballets to be staged during the golden years of his career. The 1890s had seen some of the biggest highlights of Petipa’s career, which first emerged with the creation of The Sleeping Beauty. This late-era saw Petipa taking a slightly different step from what he had previously produced for the Saint Petersburg Imperial Ballet. He was now creating ballets that lacked dramatic plots and character development and were, instead, presenting new ballets that represented the grand spectacle. The ballet-féerie made its impact on the Imperial Ballet following the success of The Sleeping Beauty and materialized again in other ballets such as Cinderella and Bluebeard.

History

Premiere of this production: 19 January 1898, Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Raymonda is a ballet in three acts, four scenes with an apotheosis, choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Alexander Glazunov, his Opus 57. First presented by the Imperial Ballet at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre on 19 January [O.S. 7 January] 1898 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The ballet was created especially for the benefit performance of the Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani, who created the title role. Among the ballet's most celebrated passages is the Pas classique hongrois (a.k.a. Raymonda Pas de dix) from the third act, which is often performed independently.

Synopsis

Act I
Scene 1: Raymonda's feast

At the castle of Doris, preparations are under way for the celebrations of the young countess Raymonda’s name day. Countess Sybille, her aunt, chides those who are present, including Raymonda's two friends Henrietta and Clémence, and the two troubadours Béranger and Bernard, for their idleness and their passion for dancing, telling them of the legendary White Lady, the protector of the castle, who warns the Doris household every time one of its members is in danger and casts punishment on those who do not fulfil their duties. The young people laugh at the countess’s superstitions and continue to celebrate. The seneschal of the Doris castle announces the arrival of a messenger, sent by Raymonda's fiancé, the noble crusader knight, Jean de Brienne, bearing a letter for his beloved. Raymonda rejoices when she reads that King Andrew II of Hungary, for whom Jean de Brienne has fought, is returning home in triumph and Jean de Brienne will arrive at the Doris castle the next day for their wedding. Suddenly, the celebrations are interrupted when the seneschal announces the arrival of an uninvited Saracen knight, Abderakhman and his entourage, who have stopped at the castle seeking shelter for the night. Captivated by Raymonda's beauty, Abderakhman falls in love with her at once and resolves to do anything to win her. The party lasts late into the night and, left alone and exhausted by the day, Raymonda lies down on a couch and falls asleep. As she sleeps, she begins to dream that the White Lady appears illuminated by the moonlight and, with an imperious gesture, orders Raymonda to follow her.

Scene 2: The Visions

The White Lady, without making a sound, advances along the terrace. Raymonda follows her in a state of unconsciousness. At a signal from the White Lady, the garden is wrapped in mist. A moment later, the mist vanishes and Jean de Brienne appears. Overjoyed, Raymonda runs into his arms and they are surrounded by glory, knights and celestial maidens. The garden is illuminated by a fantastic light and Raymonda expresses her joy to the White Lady, who interrupts her enthusiasm with a vision of what awaits her. Raymonda wants to return to her fiancé, but instead, she finds Abderakhman, who has taken Jean de Brienne's place. Abderakhman declares his passionate love for her, but Raymonda, though confused and upset, is quick to reject him. Imps and elves appear from everywhere surrounding Raymonda, who begs the White Lady to save her and Abderakhman tries to take Raymonda by force. Raymonda cries out and falls to the ground in a faint. The frightful vision disappears along with the White Lady.

Act II
The Courtyard of the Castle

The feast in honour of Jean de Brienne's arrival is taking place. Raymonda welcomes her guests, but cannot hide her uneasiness caused by Jean de Brienne’s delay. Abderakhman approaches her repeatedly and reveals his passion for her, but remembering the warnings of the White Lady, Raymonda rejects him with contempt. Abderakhman becomes even more insistent and realises the only way to possess Raymonda is by force. He calls his slaves to dance for her, after which he summons his cup bearers and they pour a potion into everyone’s cup, causing all the guests to become drunk. Seizing his chance, Abderakhman grabs Raymonda in an attempt to abduct her, but luckily Jean de Brienne arrives just in time, accompanied by King Andrew II and his knights. Jean de Brienne saves Raymonda from the hands of the Saracens and tries to seize Abderakhman. The King commands the two rivals to put an end to the matter in a duel, during which the White Lady appears on the castle tower. Abderakhman is dazed and dies, slain by Jean de Brienne's sword. Raymonda joyfully embraces her fiancé and the two reaffirm their love as the King joins their hands.

Act III
The Wedding

Raymonda and Jean de Brienne are finally married and King Andrew II of Hungary gives the newly wedded couple his blessing. In his honour, everyone at court is dressed in Hungarian fashion and perform a range of Hungarian-style dances, ending in an Apotheosis where everyone comes together in a knightly tournament.

Venue Info

Kremlin Ballet Theatre - Moscow
The Kremlin, State Kremlin Palace

A symbol of elegance and tradition, the Kremlin Ballet Theatre continues to bring the beauty of Russian ballet to audiences around the world.

The Kremlin Ballet Theatre was founded in 1990 by renowned Russian choreographer, People’s Artist of Russia, and professor Andrei Petrov. Located within the historic grounds of the Moscow Kremlin, the company performs on the stage of the State Kremlin Palace — a prestigious venue where it has presented its productions for over three decades.

The theatre’s artistic vision is rooted in the development of classical Russian ballet traditions, combined with the creation of original works inspired by great literary and musical sources. This balance of heritage and innovation defines its distinctive style.

The repertoire includes masterpieces by legendary choreographers such as Marius Petipa, Alexander Gorsky, and Lev Ivanov, alongside works by leading contemporary artists. Andrei Petrov has staged celebrated versions of classical ballets including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty, as well as original productions such as Ruslan and Lyudmila, Tom Sawyer, The Magic Flute, and One Thousand and One Nights.

Over the years, the theatre has collaborated with outstanding choreographers, including Yuri Grigorovich, Vladimir Vasiliev, Wayne Eagling, and Andris Liepa. A significant role in shaping the company’s artistic level was played by the legendary ballerina Ekaterina Maximova, who served as its leading coach.

Today, the Kremlin Ballet is a mature and distinctive company with its own artistic identity and loyal audience. Its performances are highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, both in Russia and internationally.

The troupe actively tours worldwide, having presented its productions in more than 30 countries through over 100 international tours.

Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Moscow, Russia

Starts at: 18:00

Acts: 2

Duration: 2h

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