The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet toured the world for many years under the name of the Kirov. Now Sadler's Wells is delighted to host this world famous company for the first time in the theatre's history.

Programme Two features the UK premiere of Alexei Ratmansky's Pierrot Lunaire, presented at New York City Center earlier in 2008. Pierrot Lunaire was choreographed on Mariinsky prima ballerina Diana Vishneva, who dances this role again in London. The evening is completed by two of George Balanchine's timeless works - Apollo and The Prodigal Son – set to scores by two of the 20th Century's greatest Russian composers, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev.