Kyiv Opera's May Repertoire: Classics, Contemporary Productions, Concerts, and Shows for the Whole Family
Here is a brief overview of the events featured in the theater’s May program.
May 2 at 12:00 PM
Musical Classics for Children and Their Parents: “The Ballet Alphabet”
An educational program for children and parents in the format of an interactive lesson from the “Musical Classics” series. In a relaxed atmosphere, young audience members embark on a fascinating journey through the world of choreography, learning interesting facts about the history of ballet, costumes, and footwear. Together with the hosts, children learn the basic hand and foot positions, as well as the language of gestures in classical dance. The program helps make a child’s first encounter with ballet easy and exciting and teaches them to perceive theatrical performances in a new way.
May 3 at 12:00 PM
Two-act opera “King Thrushbeard”
A vibrant contemporary production for children and adults, created specifically for the theater by Kyiv composer Yuriy Shevchenko. It is based on the well-known fairy tale about a headstrong princess who changes for the better through trials and love. The performance features melodious Ukrainian language, memorable music with hit arias, and even elements of opera rap. Colorful sets, fantastical costumes, and dynamic direction create the atmosphere of a true fairy tale. The production has won a number of prestigious awards and will be a wonderful first introduction to opera for children.
May 7 at 1:00 PM and May 31 at 12:00 PM
Two-act musical “Once Upon a Time There Was a Dog…”
A musical performance based on the Ukrainian folk tale about the Dog and the Wolf. It is a witty story about friendship, mutual support, and simple human values. The production combines humor, folk musical motifs, and vibrant stage action, making it engaging for both children and adult audiences.
May 8 at 6:00 PM
One-act comic opera “The Marriage Contract, or Happiness in a Day”
Gioachino Rossini’s opera is a lighthearted and romantic story, full of sincerity and innocent charm. The production stands out for its modern interpretation: the events unfold in a symbolic Garden of Eden, where the idyll is disrupted by the arrival of a stranger. The performance combines classical opera with contemporary themes, particularly the right to make one’s own choices. Dynamic, emotional, and theatrical, it lifts the spirits and inspires faith in the fulfillment of dreams.
May 9 at 12:00 PM
Two-act musical “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
A cheerful musical based on Mark Twain’s novel about the thrilling adventures of a runaway boy and his friend Jim. Together with the characters, the audience embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River, filled with dangers, adventures, and the search for a better life. The production combines a dynamic plot with the atmosphere of an adventure novel and the important themes of friendship and freedom. The show is aimed at elementary and middle school-aged audiences and promises vivid emotions and intrigue right up to the finale.
May 10 at 12:00 PM
Two-act ballet “Coppelia: A New Story of the Doll”
A fantastical ballet story about the creation of the perfect doll Coppelia, whom the sorcerer Coppelius planned to use to seize power over humanity. However, thanks to a magical stone, the doll gains not only a human form but also a soul and the ability to feel. Realizing her creator’s treacherous intentions, Coppelia stands up to defend the city and its inhabitants. This is a fairy-tale story about the power of humanity, kindness, and the ability to resist evil.
May 10 at 6:00 PM
“Free Stage” Project by Independent Contemporary Dance Artists
An artistic project of the Kyiv Opera that provides independent artists with access to a professional stage and the theater’s technical resources. The platform supports a new generation of Ukrainian choreographers, helping them turn ideas into full-scale performances and bridging the gap between the independent sector and major institutions. For audiences, this is an opportunity to see multidisciplinary works at the intersection of theater, music, and performance art in a single evening. The project operates on the principles of open recruitment, freedom of self-expression, and curatorial support. Additionally, a special prize fund is provided, and the winner is chosen by the audience.
May 15 at 6:00 PM and May 16 at 5:00 PM
Two-act rock opera “Patriot”
This musical performance, based on songs by renowned Ukrainian songwriters and performers, blends rock and symphonic sounds in contemporary orchestral arrangements. The plot spans key events in recent history—from the legendary “Chervona Ruta” festival to the present day, including the realities of full-scale war. At the heart of the story is the image of a Ukrainian undergoing a journey of personal growth and inner transformation. The production creates a powerful emotional symbiosis on stage, combining rock music, opera, choir, and ballet.
May 17 at 5:00 PM
Concert performed by the choir and artists of the “Jazz Mass” orchestra
The “Jazz Masses” concert, performed by the Kyiv Opera Choir and the “Messer Band” quartet, combines canonical sacred texts with jazz rhythms and Latin American motifs. The program features works by Bob Chilcott, Jean Clibb, and Martin Wallinger, as well as jazz standards. The production creates an atmosphere of dialogue between tradition and modernity, filled with light and energy. Conductor and choirmaster: Angela Maslennikova.
May 22 at 6:00 PM
The comic opera in two acts “Falstaff”
The plot of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Falstaff” revolves around a shrewd and self-assured knight who simultaneously woos two wealthy women, hoping to improve his financial situation. However, his cunning plan is quickly exposed, and the women, together with their friends, decide to teach the suitor a lesson by dragging him into a series of witty pranks. A love story unfolds in parallel, one that parental ambitions try to thwart, but ingenuity and sincere feelings ultimately prevail. In the finale, all the intrigues are revealed, and Falstaff himself is forced to admit his mistakes, turning his defeat into an ironic life lesson.
May 24 at 12:00 PM
Two-act ballet “Thumbelina”
A stage adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known fairy tale about a little girl who finds herself in a big and often dangerous world. Through the language of dance, the story unfolds her journey, filled with trials, unexpected encounters, and the search for her own happiness. Despite the heroine’s small stature, the performance speaks of great things—kindness, resilience, and the ability to remain true to oneself. Georgy Kovtun’s choreographic version gives the fairy tale a new theatrical voice, while preserving its recognizable plot and enchanting atmosphere.
May 29 at 6:00 PM
The two-act ballet “Giselle”
Adolphe Adam’s ballet, which has been leaving audiences breathless for 185 years, is one of the most famous works in the romantic ballet repertoire. The plot centers on the tragic story of a young woman who dies of a “broken heart” after being betrayed by her lover. The production combines lyrical drama with refined classical choreography.
May 30 at 5:00 PM
Theater Choir Concert “The Magic of Michel Legrand”
Artists from the Kyiv Opera Choir present a program dedicated to the work of Michel Legrand—one of the most romantic composers of our time. The selection features his most famous songs, which have become symbols of love, dreams, and bittersweet nostalgia for several generations of listeners. Legrand is the recipient of numerous international awards, including an Oscar and a Grammy; his music has long transcended the boundaries of cinema and concert halls. This program offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of refined melody and emotional depth that the composer’s work provides.
Tickets for all May performances of the Kyiv Opera can be purchased at the theater box office or via the link on the theater’s website
https://kyivoperatheatre.com.ua/repertoire/
The theater box office is open every day
from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (lunch break: 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.)
+38 (044) 425-42-80
+38 (067) 447-99-89
2 Mezhigirska St. (Kontraktova Ploshcha Metro Station)
