YEREVAN, AUGUST 27, ARMENPRESS. The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiarian will start its 80th theatrical season on September 20 by Armen Tigranyan's opera "Anush". As reports "Armenpress" Kamo Hovhannisyan, the Director of the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiarian, highlighted: "It has become a good tradition to open the theatrical season with "Anush". We shall not make exceptions this year too."

The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiarian has prepared a number of surprises for its audience within the framework of its 80th theatrical season. The staff of the theatre of 400 artists will introduce a number of performances along with a row of distinguished art figures from abroad. It is considered that the audience will have an opportunity to enjoy new projects and programs as well.

Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiarian in Yerevan was officially opened on 20 January 1933. The building was designed by the Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian. The building consists of two concert halls: Aram Khatchaturian concert hall and the hall of the Alexander Spendiarian Opera and Ballet National Theatre.

The ground-breaking of the Opera-Theatre took place on 28 November 1930 during the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Soviet Armenia. On January 20, 1933, the building was officially opened. Soon after the theatre foundation, a ballet troupe was established. Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was the first ballet performance in 1935.

Since 1935 a unique Armenian opera, Anoush by Armen Tigranian, has been performed in Yerevan opera theatre. It was a great step in Armenian opera history. Anoush is in the repertoire of the theatre until now.

Since it was opened, the Armenian National Opera & Ballet Theatre has performed more than 200 different operas and ballets by Armenian, Russian and West European composers. The theatre company has performed in more than 20 countries, e.g. in Russia, Spain, Lebanon, USA, Greece, Germany. In 1956, the theatre received the status of National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The theatre has also hosted concerts performed by Charles Aznavour, Ian Anderson, John McLaughlin, Akvarium and many others.