Medvedev hails Bolshoi theatre revamp : theatre revamp

Moscow, President Dmitry Medvedev gave nods of approval, he toured Russia's Bolshoi Theatre on Tuesday, a month before it officially opens one of the country's top cultural jewels, after a protracted scandal hit refresh. With a broad smile, talked with the Kremlin's most important ballerinas and heard the orchestra playing Mikhail Glinka's "life of tsar" on the main stage, which is framed in red plush curtains, and smells strongly of fresh paint. 

"From a technical standpoint, this is a fantastic building," Medvedev was shown telling the state-owned Rossiya channel 24 ballet dancers. He added that he wanted to revive the spirit of the legendary Bolshoi. After years of neglect during the Soviet era, the most important stage of the Bolshoi Theatre in 2005 and was closed in February 2008. Hit the much-awaited restoration of the delays and lack the resources plagued by scandal. Medvedev is expected to formally opened the renovated 19th century, ballet and opera house building in the solemn ceremony of the 28th October. 

First built in the same place in 1776, survived the Bolshoi three fires, the bombing of World War II and the limited use of Soviet leaders. Bolshoi returns to pre-Soviet glories, which cost at least 20 billion rubles ($ 662 million), including the renovation of the interior panels of rare pine trees and decorated with real gold. During the Soviet era, the interior was torn out and replaced with sound-absorbing concrete and copper. 

Advanced lighting systems, new underground floors and the seats are larger and have a theater. 

Medvedev, the self-styled reformer and a fan of Tsar Alexander II freed the serfs the 19th century, grew up in the Russian Empire, the Emperor's Box once the ballet and opera companies. Both Medvedev and his mentor and predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said they could go to the upcoming presidential election in March 2012.