Details

One of the UK's leading Ballet Companies. The programme opens with the dazzling exuberance of Theme and Variations, a virtuosic showstopper from George Balanchine. Featuring 13 couples dancing to Tchaikovsky, this is classical ballet that is grandiose, yet light on its feet. Intricate choreography, technical bravura and exquisite musicality all lead to a triumphant finale that will leave you exhilarated. Known for her visceral and imaginative movement style, Andrea Miller creates a new work to Stravinsky's revolutionary score, Les Noces. The piece unfolds against set designs from acclaimed artist Dame Phyllida Barlow, with dancers joined on stage by the Opera Holland Park Chorus. Marking 100 years since the work's premiere, Miller's Les Noces examines the power of rituals and imagines the aftermath of Stravinsky's other iconic piece, The Rite of Spring. What comes after the sacrifice? Finally, British choreographer David Dawson takes us on a deeply moving journey with Four Last Songs. Richard Strauss's song cycle is a musical masterpiece, often described as a poignant farewell to life. Underneath a glimpse of the heavens above, twelve dancers unite in Dawson's poetic style to the music's lush, lyrical melodies, ushering in a feeling of serenity, eternity and the sublime. English National Ballet website.

Cast/Performers

Madeleine Pierard (Four Last Songs - singer)

Creatives/Company

Choreographer(s): George Balanchine (Theme and Variations), Andrea Miller (Les Noces|), Emma Thesing (Les Noces| - assistant), David Dawson (Four Last Songs)
Music(s): Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Theme and Variations), Igor Stravinsky (Les Noces|), Richard Strauss (Four Last Songs)
Design(s): Roberta Guidi di Bagno (Theme and Variations), Eno Henze (Four Last Songs)
Other(s): Victoria Simon (Theme and Variations - stager), Phylida Barlow (Les Noces| - artwork)
Costume(s): Danshan (Les Noces|), Yumiko Takeshima (Four Last Songs)
Lighting(s): Mark Henderson (Les Noces|), Bert Dalhuysen (Four Last Songs)
Company: Opera Holland Park (Les Noces|)
Lyrics(s): Hermann Hesse (Four Last Songs - Fruhling / September / Beim Schlafengehen), Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff (Four Last Songs - Im Abendrot)