“Russian Seasons”
of Dyagilev
contribution to the world of culture
AUTUMN 2012
In 1908, Sergey Pavlovich Dyagilev, Russian theater and artist agent, rented the Paris Opera House to present the opera “Boris Godunov”. A St. Petersburg newspaper at the time wrote: “An exciting reverberation of feelings, picturesqueness, unity of the tragic and the comic”. A real triumph!
He following year, Dyagilev premiered the Russian ballet for the French audience, and the world got to know about Russian art and culture. Music, ballet and art: Dyagilev combined them all into one. We can say that “Russian Seasons” appeared from synthesis of art, and the ballet was accepted in Paris as starting a new era in art and one of the greatest openings.
Dyagilev can be credited with revolutionizing dance, theatre, scenic arts and fashion. To support his projects, Dyagilev attracted patrons of the arts like Savva Morozov, countess Shevini, Princess de Polignac and the bank of Gangsburg. “Pavilion of Armida” opened the first season.
Anna Pavlova and Vazlav Nijinsky danced the main parts. The costumes and decorations were created according to the works of Russian artist and art historian Aleksandr Benua.