The home of Shostakovich, St Petersburg lies in north-west Russia, close to the Neva River. Famed for its Mariinsky Theatre and Ballet as well as the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, it has also a growing presence in popular music, with the Leningrad Rock Club and a vibrant jazz scene.
Perform...
- Music has been a vital part of St Petersburg's history; many of the great Russian masterpieces of the ballet were premiered or performed at the Mariinsky Theatre.
- Shostakovich was born here and wrote his totemic seventh symphony during the siege of Leningrad.
- Performances are possible at many of the beautiful churches in St Petersburg, including the catholic churches of the Assumption and Our Lady of Lourdes.
Don't Miss!
- No tour of St Petersburg is complete without seeing the Hermitage, Catherine the Great's magnificent palace that houses one of the world's most extensive art collections.
- Another must-see is the Peter and Paul Fortress on the Neva, built by Peter the Great in 1703. The Fortress surrounds the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial site of the Russian Imperial rulers.
It makes a huge difference as a busy teacher to have people on the other end of the phone who always seem to be so helpful with solving the inevitable problems that arise in the organisation of such trips. 
