We are avid music and ballet fans and would like to see a ballet and hear a concert while we are on an independent visit to SPb in late May. Are there premier performances as compared with tourist performances by second tier companies? Also, are there difference prices for Westerners vs. Russians or savvy travelers. I have seen prices for ballet ticket range from $7 USD to $150.

Yes - there are different prices - but not usually by performance.

If you buy ballet tickets through a tourist ticket agency you will pay about $70. We (Americans speaking only English) bought them at the box office and got box seats for about $7 each - including programs in English. Prices for Russians are considerably less, since these are state supported companies - and the locals are already paying most of the cost through taxes.

We saw the Kirov do Anna Karenina, sharing the box with 2 Russian ladies of a certain age - who were all dressed up for a major evening out (satin dresses, had obviously been to the hairdresser and had their make up done etc.). The same isn't necessary for tourists -but I wouldn't do jeans or sweats.

You can reserve your tickets here:
http://www.mariinsky.ru

Yes, there are "privileged" prices for Russian only.

For us foreigners the prices range from 3200 Rubels (stalls close to the stage) to 640 Rubels (last tier). Even the inexpensive seats are not bad. A good compromise is one of the first boxes in Baignoire/Benois or Belle-Etage which go for 1920 Rubels.

Do not miss an ossietra caviar snack at the buffet!

We saw "Cinderella" this past July and it certainly was not performed by a so-called "second tier" company and it was attended both by locals and visitors. Not everyone, in either group of attendees, was dressed up...nicely dressed, yes.

BTW, what is a "tourist performance" anyway?????

If you go to Mariinsky Theater you can be sure you see the premier performance. The theater itself is beautiful, people like to come in the nice dresses… tickets are quite expensive but it is worth it.
Think of the classical music concert in Grand Philharmonic Hall or Capella or one of the palaces.
When the time of your visit comes closer check the playbill of St.Petersburg theatres and Concert Halls to find some events that suit your interests. I suggest you to avoid the folk-show as it is very touristy.

Have a pleasant trip!

Everyone,
Thanks for your helpful responses. In regard to "tourist" performances, I was referring to some concerts we attended in Prague which were put on almost exclusively for tour groups in smaller venues with an orchestra of talented musicians but who were not performing as an established orchestra such as the Czech National Symphony performing at the Rudolfinum.

iwolgca - me too.

As St P is the home of the Maryinsky Ballet (Kirov) you can be sure of not seeing a second tier company if you've the good fortune to score a ticket to see them!

I'm sort of hoping that there will be an opportunity to see "non-name" groups perform. Perhaps someone knows if there is a vibrant alternative dance scene in St P?
I don't mean "dance scene" as in club, but contemporary or modern ballet.

Same for classical music. I've had some memorable musical experiences by attending concerts outside of a concert hall in Prague, Helsinki, etc. I'm hoping to find the same in St P.

Doesn't always have to be a big ticket event to be worthwhile. The trick as a tourist is hoping you come across something by accident.

Have a great trip.

topping

If you are traveling independently you should be able to see the real thing. Our last trip to St. P was with a group (an excellent one) but even so we were subject to one of those "tourist" ballet performances. Since we've been New York City Ballet attendees for over 35 years it was a bit of a ho-hum -