St. Petersburg White Nights Festival

Posted on Sunday, April 10, 2011

During the summer months of the midnight sun, the White Nights Festival comes to St. Petersburg, Russia for its annual stay. The festival is full of ballet, operas, and classical music, as well as performances from Russian singers, musicians, actors, dancers, and even some famous international stars. Yearly, about one million people visit the festival, with the majority being students from schools and colleges all over the world.

The first appearance of the festival was in 1992, created by St. Petersburg’s first elected mayor, Anatoly Sobchak. The first held a schedule of 14 concerts and performances, including two ballets and three operas. The first went over so well that at the end of the festival, the next year’s event was already being planned. In 1993 at the second White Nights event, it was announced that it would be an annual occurrence. 93’s festival consisted of 27 performances, nearly doubling since the previous year. Not only have there been widely known operas performed at the festival, but there have also been productions of plays such as Othello, Un ballo in maschera, and Macbeth.

This year the White Nights Festival is scheduled to be from May 23rd to July 24th, and there is supposed to be quite a large schedule for entertainment. Unfortunately, the schedule containing the names of the operas, ballets, and music events has not been released yet. The only thing known is that there will be either a ballet or opera performed at the world-famous Mariinky Ballet and Opera theatre. I will be sure to update once the official schedule has been released, which is due sometime toward the end of the month.

Russia

Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010

The iconic St. Basil's candy-topped cupolas and dreamlike architecture stand as the signature of Russia's capital city of Moscow. St. Petersburg is Russia's artistic capital and its rigid symmetry is captured by classical architecture, including the magnificent Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace.

Rocce Forte - Hotel Astoria, St. Petersburg

Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009

Hotel Partner of the Week:

One of St. Petersburg's most luxurious, Hotel Astoria boasts all of the Five-Star amenities today's travelers expect, yet offers an authentic experience of this historic city on the banks of the Neva. Situated opposite St. Isaac's Cathedral with its gilded dome, and within walking distance of the labyrinthine Hermitage Museum, all 211 guest rooms and suites are tastefully appointed and have modern marble baths. The fashionable Davidov Restaurant serves the finest Russian and International cuisine, including an exquisite selection of chilled vodkas and caviar pearls. Afternoon tea is poured daily in the Rotonda Lounge – famous for its Chocolate Fountain. And the Astoria SPA features a range of energizing treatments, including Swedish massage.

Atlas/Ensemble Amenities:

• Complimentary daily breakfast in Davidov Restaurant – all benefits apply on all best available published rates (benefits are not valid on bookings made through wholesalers)
• Upgraded room at check-in when available
• Early check-in and late check-out when available

Experience a Russian Holiday! Hotel Astoria is offering additional exclusive amenities that include Russian champagne, tickets to the Museum of Vodka and to the Hermitage Museum. Room rates are based on best available rates. This offer begins July 1st and ends December 31, 2009.