A look at the Theatres, Operas and Circuses in the Russian Capital.

- Ballets
- Operas
- Concerts
- Circuses

When it comes to rich cultural experience, Moscow is one of the leading cities in the world to offer to its guests a plethora of cultural activities. There are ballets and operas for the musically inclined, theater and plays for the lovers of drama, and of course the delightful Russian circuses to captivate the young visitors to Moscow.

There a host of entertainment options available for all age groups in Moscow , making it one of the best choices for a family vacation. Here's looking at some of the best things to do while you are visiting Moscow.

Bolshoi Theatre & Ballet Company- Moscow has been home to the Bolshoi Theatre since the 18 th Century, which has a ballet and theatre company of its own and produces world class ballets, plays and operas periodically. Over the last few years Bolshoi was under the care of Yuri Grigorovich, a very artistic and talented director.

Under his wing, the Bolshoi Ballet Company achieved unprecedented popularity and has now come to be known as one of the finest ballet troupes in the world. The ballet company is characterized by elegant ballet dancers and classical choreography.

Many eminent ballet performances have been put up at the Bolshoi over the centuries, including the rendition of Tchaikovsky's ballet " Swan Lake ", "A Life for the Tsar", a Glinka Opera and "Spartacus" by Aram Khachaturyan. In the last few years, the ballet company has also acquired fame for its realistic scenery and costumes as well the ensemble skills par excellence. Amongst the operas that have been put up in the recent years include opera classics like Prince Igor, The Queen of Spades and Eugene Onigin amongst others. While in Moscow , do not miss a visit to this ancient theatre, which has become a symbol for Russian ballet and opera.

Novaya Opera Theatre - A relatively new theatre in Moscow, Novaya Opera Theatre came into being in the year 1991 at the behest of the then Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and Evgeny Kolobov, and has shot into prominence in the last decade for its classical opera renditions. The founder of the theatre, Evgeny Kolobov has led the Novaya Opera Theatre from peer to peer, based on his artistic vision, and innovation in technique.

Featuring a vibrant and versatile choir, equipped with an adept orchestra and eminently gifted soloists, the Novaya Opera Theatre has produced many an opera classic in the last few years. From Donizetti's " Maria Stuarda" , to "O Mozart! Mozart." by Verdi I Due Foscari and Tchaikovsy's "Eugene Onigin" , the opera at Novaya theatre has wowed the audiences with their renditions. Novaya Opera Theatre is also known for performing modern operas like " First Love" by composer Golovin, and Rubinstein's "The Demon". Famous for its innovation in stage direction and scenery, Novaya Opera Theatre performances are not to be missed while you are in Moscow .

State Kremlin Palace - Located within the Kremlin complex with a large auditorium with a seating space of 6,000, the State Kremlin Ballet Theatre has been putting up performances by the Kremlin Ballet Company, as well as plays host to many a pop & rock concert of International musicians. Amongst the ballet performed by the Kremlin Ballet Theatre, notable are classics such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker; as well modern productions such as Macbeth and Zeus.

Moskovskaya Opera Theatre - Founded in 1896, this ballet theatre is located in the Hermitage Garden in Moscow . The theatre periodically produces fresh and modern ballet performances like Maritza, and Prima Donna; as well as a few classics from time to time.

Tchaikovsky Concert Hall - Home to the concerts put by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances by world renowned orchestras, soloists and conductors visiting Moscow , the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, is located next to the Mayakovsky Metro station in Moscow.

The Orchestra troupe here has performed with many famous musicians including Svyatoslav Richter, Natalia Gutman, Yuri Bashmet, Evgeni Kissin and Vadim Repin. The orchestra has also been conducted and directed by eminent personalities such as Sir Yehudi Menuhin and Andrew Litton.

Moscow Conservatoire - Founded in the year 1866 by famous pianist and musician Nikolai Rubinstein, the Moscow Conservatoire is a music school of international repute. The illustrious alumni of the school include names like Aram Khachaturiyan, Sergey Rachmaninoff and Alexander Scriabin.

The Conservatoire today is host to many concerts and performances by visiting international orchestras, soloists and conductors. The Grand Hall, famous for its brilliant acoustics and the world's largest organs is the venue for these concerts. The Rachmaninov Hall at the Moscow Conservatoire is dedicated to chamber music performances.

Great Moscow State Circus - Established on 1971, designed and supervised by I. Belopolsky, the Great Moscow is a unique way to entertain yourself and your kids in Moscow . This Circus Company has a 36 meters tall auditorium which can seat up to 3,400 people and a troupe consisting of numerous artists and performers.

The repertoire of performances at the Great Moscow State Circus includes over 50 specialized acts, ranging from juggling, acrobatics, clowning, air gymnastics and animal training acts. The performers of the Moscow State Circus are also a touring circus and take part in many European circus festivals. There are daily performances held at the auditorium at 3pm and 7 pm respectively.

Durov Animal Theatre - Looking at giving your children a delightfully different treat? Then take them to the Durov Animal Theatre in Moscow . The Animal Theatre puts up shows everyday, and has house and domesticated animals such as goats, cats, dogs, horses, bears, and mice indulging in some truly bizarre and original acts. These endearing acts by animals are sure to make you and your children chuckle.

Started in the year 1912 by well known circus actor, and animal trainer Vladimir Durov, this animal theatre is based upon treating the animals with love and affection. The Theatre was set up by Durov, better known as "Grandpa Durov" in Russia to move away from the cruel training methods adopted by circus trainers. Instead of whips and beatings, the animals here are trained by treats and praise. Open between Wednesdays and Sundays, Durov Animal Theatre is a must visit if you have children.