Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2012

Soon after reopening perhaps the world’s most famous theater following an extensive renovation, Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet and Orchestra visit Japan. The weeklong engagement serves as the swan song for the company’s lone Japanese principal soloist, Morihiro Iwata, who retires this year at 41. Iwata joins stars like Ivan Vasiliev and Maria Allash in performing works with which the Bolshoi is intimately connected, such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, which debuted there in 1875, as well as Shostakovich’s Raymonda and Khachaturian’s Spartacus.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Jan 31-Feb 9 (listing).