The Stars of the White Nights is one of the brightest stars of the music and theatre universe and has emerged to be one of the most popular and grandiose music forums in its context and scale.

The festival was created in 1993 by Valery Gergiev, Mariinsky Theatre Artistic and General Director. Maestro Gergiev says that he conceived the first Festival as a “musical gift” to the city from the Mariinsky and its star-artists. From the very beginning the Festival has been focused on the masterpieces of the world’s music discovering for its audience some rarely performed or undeservedly forgotten pieces.

The Stars of the White Nights Festival has gained in strength, popularity and international acclaim. The duration for the Festival it has expanded from ten days to three months during the last sixteen year. Renowned conductors and star-artists take as great honour the invitation to perform at the Stars of the White Nights.

Each year the Festival programme includes the Theater’s finest opera and ballet productions, great symphonic works, masterpieces of chamber music and new premieres.