Diamond Schmitt Architects Documentary Takes Top Prize at WorldFest

The Maestro & The Master: Building the New Mariinsky received the Special Jury Award in the Cultural Film category at WorldFest in Houston, Texas. The documentary goes behind-the-scenes with Diamond Schmitt Architects as they design the first new opera house in Russia since the Tsars.

The one-hour film directed by Yosif Feyginberg and produced by Upfront Entertainment Inc., charts the many twists and turns to complete the massive opera/ballet house in time for its opening in St. Petersburg. The maestro is Mariinsky Theatre legend Valery Gergiev. The master builder is architect Jack Diamond.

"Winning the jury's favor for this film is especially gratifying for the persistence and perseverance by its director, as well as us for as the architects," said Jack Diamond, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The film captures the drama as the Canadian studio is asked to replace another firm's design that was already under construction. Diamond Schmitt battles the Russian bureaucracy to realize a spectacular new home for the famed Mariinsky orchestra, opera and ballet companies. The story culminates with opening night performances including Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko and Maria Guleghina.

The Maestro & The Master received its world premier on TVO and has been broadcast and screened at festivals around the world.

Diamond Schmitt Architects (www.dsai.ca) is a leading architectural firm with an international reputation for design excellence and sustainable design solutions. An extensive portfolio includes performing arts centres, academic buildings, libraries, residential and commercial buildings. Equally extensive is work completed for the healthcare sector, with life science facilities, research laboratories and hospitals. Current projects include Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences in Texas, a new campus for York University in Markham, Ontario, and the new home for the Senate of Canada in Ottawa.