The Moscow State Conservatory named after Tchaikovsky is not just a leading music university in Russia and the world, but a major scientific and educational center with a rich history. According to the director Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev, it is a "living organism" where humanitarian traditions have been shaped by generations.
The conservatory has become a venue for concerts and conferences, a place for student education, as well as a monument to the history of art and cultural heritage of Russia. In 2014, the architectural council of Moscow granted the complex of buildings the status of a unique object under state protection.
The history of the conservatory is closely linked to Nikolai Rubinstein, who organized music classes in Moscow in 1860. The first classes were held in his apartment, which soon required the creation of a more spacious facility. Rubinstein secured support from the emperor and patrons, and in 1866, the conservatory was officially opened. The educational institution rented the house of Baroness Cherkasova, and Rubinstein invested all his funds into it.
Initially, the conservatory was funded through donations and tuition fees, as well as income from concerts and the sale of educational literature. Over time, the number of classes increased, necessitating a move. After its opening, the conservatory relocated to the Vorontsov house, the former estate of Dashkova.
Rubinstein did not live to see his dream of a dedicated building come true, but his work was continued by rector Vasily Safonov. In the 1890s, a decision was made to build a new building, and in 1895, the first brick was laid. The project was developed by Vasily Zagorsky, who also worked on the restoration of the Moscow Kremlin. The new building was inaugurated six years later.
Zagorsky completely transformed the appearance of the building, preserving only the central entrance. The facade was faced with rustication, and the windows were made in the form of arches. The interior decoration was stunningly luxurious: marble walls, exquisite furniture, oriental carpets, and tapestries. A unique organ was brought from France for the Great Hall. The acoustics of the hall are recognized as a historical monument.
The left wing housed the Small Hall, as well as the Rubinstein exhibition and museum. The scientific library named after Sergey Taneyev holds 1.5 million articles and scores.
After the revolution, education became free, and teachers participated in the reform of music education. Professors Goldenvezer and Gedike helped preserve Rubinstein's ideals. The conservatory continued to develop despite attempts at government interference.
Outstanding composers and conductors such as Shnitke, Pakhmutova, Rostropovich, and Rachmaninoff studied at the conservatory. The institution became a prototype for many faculties across the country.
The conservatory building has been rebuilt multiple times and suffered from military actions. In the 1950s, residential areas were eliminated, leading to the loss of works of art. The last reconstruction was completed in 2014.
Today, the conservatory maintains its historical identity while keeping up with the times by organizing online broadcasts of concerts. Scholarships named after Tchaikovsky have been established, and since 1940, the educational institution has borne his name.
The conservatory employs about 500 teachers, and the number of students approaches two thousand. There are faculties of vocal arts, conducting, orchestral studies, and others. The chief rector is Alexander Sergeyevich Sokolov.
The box office of the conservatory is located in the Great Hall and operates from 10:00 to 22:00. Address: Moscow, Bolshaya Nikitskaya St., 13/6. The nearest metro stations are "Arbat" and "Alexander Garden."
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