Sweeping Romance and Fiery Drama as Tchaikovsky Takes Center Stage

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s path as a composer was often difficult and came about after an earlier career change. He was a precocious child, not only in music, but in poetry, French, and other topics. But he was placed on a track outside of music at the age of 12. He spent seven years at the school of Jurisprudence in Saint Petersburg, from 1852 through 1859, and was even assigned a job at the Ministry of Justice before he realized he needed to devote his life to music. He took music lessons during his time at the School of Jurisprudence, but it was not until the fall of 1862 when he began his studies at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory that his world as a composer began to expand. Under his teacher Anton Rubinstein, he worked tirelessly to hone the skills he needed to forge his way as a composer. He studied theory, composition, piano, flute, and organ. Eventually he was introduced to Rubinstein’s younger brother, Nicolai, who had founded the Moscow Conservatory. Tchaikovsky accepted a job at the Moscow Conservatory despite his disdain for teaching, and would spend much of the rest of his life in that city and its surrounding environs.

Tchaikovsky was no stranger to the theater when he composed his first ballet, Lebedinoe ozoe (Swan Lake) in 1875–76. He had written operas and other incidental music, but Swan Lake was his first ballet. It was also his first work for the theater to garner wider attention, and is today one of the most often performed ballets in the repertoire. 

On the Stage

This week we’ve got a theatre musical dating show, the dynamic music of video games, the longest-running play in the world, and more.

Nobody Loves You

Musical Theatre | American Conservatory Theater
Now – March 30 | Tickets

“Nobody Loves You” is a wildly popular reality dating show in which eager contestants compete for love (and social media stardom). When Jeff, a philosophy grad student, snags a spot on the show to win back his ex, he breaks all the rules and tries to blow the game wide open.

View the Program

More Events

• Uncle Vanya | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – March 23 | View the Program
• The Mousetrap | City Lights Theater Company | Now – April 6
• The Great Yes, The Great No | Cal Performances | Now – March 16
• Video Games in Concert with Eímear Noone | San Francisco Symphony | March 19 | View the Program

Next Line

Dive into an upcoming show at Berkeley Rep through a conversation with the co-creator and plan your next night out with the rising stars of opera.

• In a San Francisco Chronicle interview, co-creator of Here There Are Blueberries Moisés Kaufman, explores the play’s central themes, asking, “What is the difference between culpability, complacency, and complicity? We all fall somewhere in that spectrum.” This thought-provoking question underscores the play’s powerful examination of moral responsibility. Read the full article for more on the creative process and secure your tickets today for this impactful performance at Berkeley Rep.
• The Schwabacher Recital Series at San Francisco Opera showcases the finest emerging talent in classical music, with performances on March 19 and April 10. This year’s lineup features a diverse range of rising stars, offering an intimate concert experience for audiences. Don’t miss your chance to hear the next generation of opera’s brightest voices in this highly anticipated series.