Visit the website of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg (formerly the Kirov Opera and Ballet Theater) (Мариинский театр / Театр оперы и балета имени Кирова):

http://www.mariinsky.ru/

To answer some of these questions, you may want/need to check out both the Russian and the English "halves" of the website.

1			On the lef-hand side of the page, directly under the Mariinsky logo, you will notice a list of links. Under which of those headings are you likely to find a link to a virtual tour of the theater? Click on the different links to find the virtual tour. You may also use the English version of the site for help. Remember: you already saw one Russian expression for 'virtual tour' when you explored the ИКЕА Россия site. The expression on the Mariinsky site is slightly different. What is the difference? Once you have located the virtual tour link, take your time to explore the slide show prepared for you by the staff of the Mariisnky. In English, please indicate what image/photo you found most interesting. Why?
2			Find the links to the pages devoted to the history of the theater. Why is the theater called "Mariinsky"? When was it founded?
3			Check the playbill for the current month. What is the Russian word for "playbill"? Using your prevoius knowledge or best guesses (using the language skills you have already acquired) please list the productions of works by Russian composers (in English or Russian).
4			What are the new productions in rehearsal or recently opening at the theater (Hint: these might be mentioned in a press release which, in its turn, is probably going to be found under the heading "mass media" ...)?
5			What is the closest Metro (subway) station to the theater? What times do the evening performances usually begin?
6			А ЧТО ДАЛЬШЕ? For more information about Russian ballet and opera visit these sites (which contain information both in Russian and in English): http://www.bolshoi.ru http://balet-spb.ru