The Mariinsky Orchestra, formerly the Kirov, has a long and distinguished history as one of the oldest musical institutions in Russia. Founded in the 18th century during the reign of Peter the Great, it was known before the Revolution as the Russian Imperial Opera Orchestra. Housed in St. Petersburg's famed Mariinsky Theatre since 1860, the Orchestra entered its "golden age" during the second half of the 19th century under the music direction of Eduard Napravnik (1839-1916).

The Mariinsky Orchestra today is one of the world's most traveled orchestras, touring to Japan and China, and regularly in Europe, often with its own series or festival of concerts such as in London and Rotterdam. A frequent visitor to London, Paris, Vienna and Milan, the Orchestra visits the United States every two years.