A recent visit to Milton Keynes Theatre by the Siberian State Ballet proved a winning one, and the same reception is expected to follow when the Russian State Opera of Siberia begins a six-day stay from Monday, letting loose with a slew of classics.

The RSO is 31 years young as a company, and flourished against the backdrop of a thriving cultural environment, soon becoming a leading light in its field – noted for its brilliance not simply on home turf, but abroad too.

When we said it was a week of classic deliveries, we weren't stretching the truth – they don't come any better than La Traviata, Madam Butterfly and La Boheme.

La Traviata (Monday and Tuesday) tells the tragic tale of ill-fated courtesan Violetta and her love for nobleman Alfredo.

Violetta's transition from a colourful life of revelry to one of self-sacrifice is powerfully evoked in this most sumptuous of productions.

Remember the hankies, people. Your neighbours don't need to suffer your sniffles during the performance of Verdi's work!

Puccini's tragic masterpiece – best make it a full box of tissues if you're planning to catch all performances, it'll be cost effective – Madam Butterfly (Wednesday and Thursday) boasts some of the most famous and beautiful arias in all Italian opera.

This is the tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride. If you've seen Miss Saigon, take it one stage further and go get to the heart of the story, why don't you?

Puccini's music reigns supreme with La Boheme which goes live at the venue next Friday and Saturday.

"We have loved our UK tours with the Siberian Ballet," said artistic director Sergei Bobrov in anticipation of the RSO's debut appearance on these shores. "We are thrilled to be bringing our opera company to the UK as we know that audiences here both love and understand opera."

All performances begin at 7.30pm, and all are sung in Italian with English surtitles. Discounts of £5 from each ticket apply if you book for two of the performances, so remember to ask when you call on 0870 060 6652.

Ticket prices range from £9 to £32.50.