Details

The story, from Greek myth, has Sylvia at the centre of dramatic events that have a statue come to life, Sylvia's abduction by the evil hunter Orion, and her dead lover Aminta restored to life through the intervention of the god Eros. The title role - created for Margot Fonteyn - requires a technical skill and classical elegance to challenge any ballerina to the full. But the accompanying host of characters and ensembles also allow the Company the chance to draw on its full range of dance and dramatic experience. The music by Delibes, who is maybe better known today for Coppelia, is considered one of the finest of 19th-century ballet scores. It was much admired in its own day, and rightly so for its sheer variety and melodious appeal.

Cast/Performers

Marianela Nunez, Rupert Pennefather, Gary Avis, Lauren Cuthbertson, Sergei Polunin, Thomas Whitehead, Sarah Lamb, Federico Bonelli, Bennet Gartside, Zenaida Yanowsky, David Makhateli, Thiago Soares

Creatives/Company

Music: Delibes
Company: The Royal Ballet
Choreographer: Frederick Ashton
Design(s): Robin Ironside, Christopher Ironside (original), Peter Farmer (additional)