20 June-21 July 2003. This year the festival celebrates the 300th anniversary of the foundation of St Petersburg with a programme including many Russian artists and companies. The traditional face of Russian art is represented by the legendary Marinskij Theatre and the innovative one by the Helikon Theatre, in Italy for the first time. Helikon was founded 13 years ago by the then 19-year-old Dmitrij Bertman; and Bertman has directed all four operas on this years programme: The Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk Districk by Shostakovich (8-15 July), The Queen of Spades by Tchaikowsky (9-17 July), Mavra by Stravinsky (10-18 July), and Kashchey the Immortal by Rimsky-Korsakov (9-17 July). The programme includes other highlights: the Kirov Ballet in a tribute to Rudolf Nureyev and in a gala evening, a cello recital by Mischa Maisky, concerts by the Camerata Salzburg, and of course the Orchestra della Scala conducted by festival patron Riccardo Muti (21 July).