October 19 1897 (Julian calendar)

Apetian listed this as the first performance of Dargomyzhsky's 'Rusalka' under Rachmaninoff's direction, however Val'kova (vol. 1, p. 204) indicates her belief that his participation was doubtful. While not citing a post-performance review, she notes two press announcements on October 19, both indicating that Esposito was to conduct. Val'kova indicates Rachmaninoff's first performance of 'Rusalka' was October 29, referencing a review. However, in Chronicle of Life and Works of Chaliapin (vol. 1, p. 117), Rachmaninoff is listed specifically as the conductor of this performance. Chaliapin played the part of the Miller in this production. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.