The Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music is the oldest Ukrainian state institution of higher music education, which was established in 1863. The Opera Theatre at the Academy was opened in 1938. This important creative subdivision of the Academy provides training for students-vocalists and directors, who will work in musical theatres and opera stages, with professional musicians. The graduates tour, perform and teach in different countries around the world. Long ago the Opera Theatre became a theatre with permanent opera and ballet troupe, choir, orchestra and an ever-expanding repertoire.