Kirov prima ballerina speaks at a Fireside Chat.

Auditorium season subscribers had the unique opportunity to see the Kirov's prima ballerina, Diana Vishneva, up close and personal at our Fireside Chat this evening.

Subscribers learned how Vishneva prepares for a performance, made her role as Giselle famous and some of her other passions when she's not dancing.

Everyone chuckles as a subscriber exclaims "Good!" when Diana explains Albrecht's immense guilt for keeping his true identity from Giselle - ultimately causing her death.

(Left to right) Moderator Lucia Mauro, Diana Vishneva and President of Ardani Artists Management, Inc, Sergei Danilian pose for a picture after the chat.


One subscriber exclaims, "She's simply stunning!"
while enjoying some light hors d'oeuvres and wine after the Chat.

Although the first show of the season has passed, you can still subscribe to the American Series! Season subscribers enjoy exclusive invitations to Fireside Chats through out the season as well as pre-paid parking and exchange privileges as well as other exclusive perks.

To order your season subscription or learn more, call 312-431-2357.

Kirov Media Coverage

The Kirov Ballet (now known as the Mariinsky Ballet) returned to the Auditorium to stun audiences and critics alike with their bravura solosits, graceful corps and stellar orchestra October 1-5, 2008. Below are pictures from their engagement:



Critics from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times raved about the performance - especially super star prima ballerina Diana Vishneva's portrayal of Giselle.

Read Sid Smith's Chicago Tribune article.

Read Hedy Weiss' Chicago Sun-Times article.

"The Myth of Diana"

Time Out New York has a preview of Diana Vishneva: Beauty in Motion, opening at City Center tonight. After an engagement in Mowcow, the performances comes to the Auditorium this June.

La Scala cancels U.S. tour; "Beauty in Motion" takes its place

Teatro alla Scala, set to close out our season with "Romeo and Juliet" in June, lost their tour funding and cancelled their U.S. tour. We are of course extremely disappointed by this cancellation, especially since La Scala's lavish sets and costumes would have looked amazing in our landmark theatre!

The good news is, we were able to book another show in that time slot. Diana Vishneva, the ballerina who was scheduled to dance Juliet in two of the LaScala performances, is starring in a new show. Diana Vishneva: Beauty in Motion is an evening of 3 new pieces created by some of today's top choreographers to showcase Vishneva's grace, artistry and talent. (If you attended opening night of last season's Kirov Ballet engagement, you were able to see what a dynamic artist she is!)

The three pieces are "Pierrot Lunaire," choreographed by Bolshoi Ballet director Alexei Ratmansky to music by Arnold Schoenberg and featuring members of the Kirov Ballet, Opera and Orchestra; "Picarte" by MOMIX's Moses Pendleton, a solo for Vishneva; and Dwight Rhoden's (of Complexions) "Three Point Turn," featuring Complexions' Desmond Richardson and members of the Kirov Ballet.

Diana Vishneva: Beauty in Motion premieres in Orange County in February; the show makes its way to New York and Moscow before making its Chicago premiere right here at the Auditorium.

If you have already purchased tickets to La Scala's Romeo and Juliet, you can either exchange them for Beauty in Motion or request a refund:

• If you are a subscriber or group leader, or if you purchased tickets in person at the box office, call 312.431.2357
• If you purchased tickets online or over the phone through Ticketmaster, call 312.902.1500
• If you purchased at an outlet, please return to that outlet.

Tickets for Diana Vishneva: Beauty in Motion go on sale Friday, February 1 at 10am. Call 312.902.1500, buy online or visit our box office in person for tickets.