Music and Time Annotation << Back The Last Russian Emperors as Patrons of E.F. Napravnik N. Aydarov The paper deals with relationships between the Russian tsars Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II and outstanding musician E.F. Napravnik. The ties of this conductor, composer and a public figure in high society allow us to identify the place of members of artistic circle in tsarist Russia. An extraordinary influence of imperial power in all spheres of cultural life is evident. It is particularly illustrative – the example of Mariinsky theatre and Napravnik as the first chief conductor of the Russian opera troupe. In this article, an attempt is made to draw the necessary conclusions concerning their role in development of musical Petersburg from the second half 19th century till beginning of the 20th century, particularly in Imperial Russian opera (Mariinsky theatre). The paper based on memoirs and unpublished archive materials. Keywords: Napravnik, Alexander II, Alexander III, Nicholas II, Imperial theatre, Russian opera. Contacts: E-mail: n.aidarov@yandex.ru Pp. 07-10.