The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, proudly presents the opera "Ereehen" by the Buryat Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. This powerful production, blending national traditions with the grandeur of classical opera, offers audiences a moving reflection on history, identity, and cultural heritage. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi.

The opera is based on the play Ekhé Udagan Abzhaa by the outstanding Buryat writer, scholar, and public figure Bazar Baradin. It tells the story of the historic audience granted in Moscow in 1703 by Tsar Peter I to representatives of the Buryat people. This landmark event marked an important milestone in Buryatia’s history, confirming the Buryat nation’s place within Russia and playing a decisive role in strengthening the eastern borders of the Russian state.

The opera is imbued with the intonations of Buryat song folklore, though the composer avoids direct quotation. Only in the epilogue does the audience hear an authentic ancient Buryat song, lending the finale special historical resonance.

Russia is a great nation with a unique culture that has grown and transformed over the centuries, uniting peoples who have become its inseparable and organic part. Ereehen, an opera by Bair Dondokov, offers a contemporary perspective on one of the most significant episodes in this vast history.

Created to mark the anniversary of the Republic of Buryatia, the opera is both a musical tribute to the founders of the republic and a homage to distant ancestors who made fateful decisions in the 18th century and again a hundred years ago.

Composer and Librettist – Bair Dondokov
Conductor – Ilya Norshtein
Music Director – Darima Linkhovoin
Stage Director – Oleg Yumov
Set Designers – Dashi Namdakov, Seseg Dondokova
Costume Consultant – Tatyana Tyshkenova
Chorus Masters – Valery Volchanetsky, Evgenia Suleymanova, Maidar Dambaev
Choreographer – Alisa Shikina
Lighting Designer – Evgeny Vinogradov
Multimedia Designer – Aryuna Bulutova
Sound Engineer – Marina Ivanova

Cast:
Badan – Alexander Khandazhapov, Honored Artist of the Republic of Buryatia
Ereehen – Biligma Rinchinova, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation
Nagarai – Eduard Zhagbaev, People’s Artist of the Republic of Buryatia
First Elder – Damba Zandanov, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation
Second Elder – Dmitry Bartashkin
Third Elder – Chingis Ivanov
Fourth Elder – Galsan Vandanov, Honored Artist of the Republic of Buryatia
Peter I – Evgeny Ostrovsky
Interpreter – Savely Alexandrov
Bishykhan – Erzhena Bazarsadaeva, People’s Artist of the Republic of Buryatia
Zagal – Danzan Balzhinimaev, People’s Artist of the Republic of Buryatia
Nagal – Jamso Bambagaev
The Child Hostage (Amanatka) – Oyuna Darizhapova