Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater facts for kids
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| Address | Nizami küçəsi 95 Baku Azerbaijan |
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| Construction | |
| Opened | 28 February 1911 |
| Years active | 1911-present |
| Architect | Nikolai Bayev |
| Tenants | |
| Azerbaijan State Academic Ballet Azerbaijan State Academic Opera |
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The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater (Azerbaijani: Axundov adına Azərbaycan Dövlət Akademik Opera və Balet Teatrı) is a grand opera house located in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was once known as the Mailov Theatre (Armenian: Մայիլյանի անվան թատրոն). This beautiful building was completed in 1911 by the Armenian architect Nikolai Bayev.
Contents
History of the Opera House
How the Theater Was Built
The idea for this theater came from a wealthy man named Daniel Mailov. Another rich businessman, Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, helped pay for it.
In 1910, a famous Russian singer named Antonina Nezhdanova visited Baku. She performed in many places. At a party for her, someone asked if she would come back to Baku. She said no, because she felt a city with so many rich people should have a proper opera theater. A place where singers could truly show their talent.
Daniel Mailov was very impressed by Nezhdanova's singing. He decided to build a new opera theater in her honor. He promised her that if she came back in one year, she could attend its opening. There's a story that the Mailov brothers wanted to build a theater that was even more impressive than other grand buildings in the city.
Designing and Building Fast
The architect, Nikolai Bayev, drew the plans for the theater. Building such a big place in just one year was a huge challenge! The Mailovs started building without waiting for the city's permission. This caused some trouble, and they were told to stop. But Bayev managed to convince the city leaders, and they finally approved the project.
Another wealthy man, Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, doubted that the theater could be finished so quickly. He had helped build the Taghiyev Theatre before. Daniel Mailov made a bet with him. If the theater wasn't ready on time, the Mailovs would give it to Taghiyev as a gift. But if it was ready by 1911, Taghiyev would have to pay for all the building costs.
A Race Against Time
To finish on time, 200 workers worked in three shifts, day and night. They completed the entire building in less than 10 months! The total cost was more than 250,000 rubles. The city mayor, Peter Martynov, along with architects and engineers, checked the new theater and confirmed it was safe.
As promised, Taghiyev paid all the expenses. The Mailovs' Theatre officially opened on February 28, 1911. Daniel Mailov sent a telegram to Nezhdanova, and she became the first singer to perform there. Many important people from Baku attended the event.
Becoming a State Theater
In 1916, the theater got its own group of performers, an opera troupe led by Pavel Amirago. It started to operate all the time. In 1920, it became a state-owned theater, known as the Opera and Ballet Theatre.
By 1925, different opera and drama groups joined together to form the official resident company. In 1927, the theater was named after the famous writer Mirza Fatali Akhundov. Later, in 1959, it was given the special title of an "academic theater."
Rebuilding After a Fire
In 1985, the theater had just been renovated, but sadly, it mysteriously burned down. However, it was quickly rebuilt! By 1987, all the restoration work was finished, and the beautiful theater reopened its doors to the public.
Many talented singers have performed with the opera company over the years, including Azer Zeynalov, Javid Samadov, and Shovkat Mammadova.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro de Ópera y Ballet Académico Estatal de Azerbaiyán para niños
- List of concert halls
