Yevgeny Alexandrovich Mravinsky was born according to the Julian calendar then in use in Russia on 22 May 1903 (4 June according to the Gregorian calendar predominant in the West), the son of an aristocratic lawyer, in the city known then and now as Saint Petersburg. Two aunts played decisive roles in the life of Yevgeny Mravinsky. One was the celebrated soprano Yevgeniya Mravina, and the little Yevgeny probably learnt something about musical theatre from her. The other aunt was Aleksandra Kollontai, and she would prove extremely useful in enabling him to follow the profession he had chosen.

Mravinsky seems to have begun learning the piano seriously at the tender age of six. The October Revolution (or, if you prefer, the November Revolution) of 1917 marked his teenage years and his father died prematurely in 1920. He began studying biology in Petrograd (St Petersburg), but from 1918 additionally assisted at the Mariinsky Theatre, later becoming rehearsal pianist for its world-famous ballet. After giving up biology, he attempted to study music at the Conservatory, but his noble provenance initially stood in his way.