DanJL

Things like this bring out a tricky balance for me. I'm passionate about ballet and dance, but unfortunately don't enjoy classical singing or opera. Happy to keep supporting ROH as much as I can though and great to see this new initiative. But it is a little disappointing to see the ballet as a side note - pre-recorded and very short. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the piece very much!

Norwegian ballet managed 45 minutes of live ballet on Thursday evening - two pieces each featuring 5 socially distanced dancers. It was great to see and the second piece in particular was very effective. It shows what can be possible. But in that case there was only a short intro featuring a live instrument on stage. Maybe it would need a live broadcast that heavily prioritised ballet rather than vice versa? Out of three programmes it would seem fair if at least one could do that. All assuming there are dancers available and willing of course.

Thanks Bruce, just watched this and absolutely loved it. A wonderful and often beautiful reflection of Björk's aesthetic.

Wasn't it broken by The Cellist? He's definitely been a major feature of the broadcasts though 🙂

That was heaven! Thanks for posting the clip Jan 🙂

The Norwegian National Ballet performance is now available here https://vier.live/acts/naerme

On 09/06/2020 at 11:27, DanJL said:

I just received an email in Norwegian, which according to Google translate is advertising streamed new ballet from Norwegian National Ballet on the 11th. The link to the website is here https://operaen.no/en/Productions/narme/

 

I've pasted in the Google translation of the email below.

 

JUNE 11 / DIGITAL TRANSFER For the first time, a world premiere is streaming from the Opera! Closer is a meeting between two film directors, ten ballet dancers and two choreographers. June 11, you can experience it for free at home in the living room. The evening consists of the newly created ballets Distant Closeness by Lucas Lima and 5 Ballerinas by Melissa Hough. The two film directors Emilie Norenberg and Haakon Mathisen each create their own cinematic expression of the dance. When the cameras are on stage, the dance gets an expression we don't usually see.  Some of the National Ballet's most profiled dancers are on stage: Soloist Eugenie Skilnand dances in both works. She is accompanied by soloists Maiko Nishino, Silas Henriksen and Whitney Jensen, Stine Østvold, Victoria Amundsen, Cristiane Sá, Kári Freyr Bjørnsson and UNG dancer Erika Pastel.

I've just watched this live broadcast by Norwegian National Ballet. A wonderful, captivating 45 minute performance. I particularly enjoyed the second piece, Distant Closeness, which was atmospheric, beautiful and incredibly poignant. The main dancer (I assume Eugenie Skilnand from the description above) was wonderfully expressive.

Unusual filming with the camera on stage circling the dancers. But once I got used to it, that only added to the atmosphere.

Apparently this will be available to watch again shortly. I recommend it!

No worries! Thanks for starting a topic on this. I mentioned previous Ballet Cymru streams on the big general suggestions thread, but maybe they were a bit swamped by all the other info on there. I'll add any future info to this one 🙂

Yes, they're always 48 hours.

I've just had an email from Marquee TV, looks like they will also be streaming the ROH show on Saturday.

It looks like Ballet Cymru are streaming ballets every 2 weeks so worth keeping an eye on their social media if you enjoy them more generally. So far we've had The Light Princess and Cinderella, both very enjoyable. Looking forward to this one on Sunday 😊

1 hour ago, Balletfanp said:

i just asked this question on the ROH Instagram account on the post promoting the events, and they have replied to say they will be available on demand for 14 days.

Thanks for this, much appreciated 😊

20 minutes ago, JohnS said:

Highlights from the first concert/performance are to be broadcast by the BBC in July.

Thanks JohnS. If it's only possible to see highlights afterwards I'll have to cancel a regular social engagement and watch live. Just in case the McGregor isn't shown in full on the BBC.

Yes, really looking forward! Has anyone seen whether this will be available to view afterwards or only live? I remember that the later on demand performances are advertised as being available to re-watch but wasn't sure about this one.

I suspect this issue may be down to a poorly executed survey design rather than any intention of the ROH, who I'm sure would be interested in a wide range of views. Perhaps getting in touch with them separately would be a good idea.

For what it's worth, the demographic information I submitted is likely to be pretty rare so I highly doubt they'd filled a quota on that basis. I did say I regularly attend ballet performances (but not opera) - but for an email sent to Friends I assume they would expect a high level of engagement from most responders.

Same for me Dawnstar. Seems strange they'd want to narrow the range of opinions. I'd certainly have plenty of positive things to tell them about my own likely take up of any online offerings that might come along.

I just received an email in Norwegian, which according to Google translate is advertising streamed new ballet from Norwegian National Ballet on the 11th. The link to the website is here https://operaen.no/en/Productions/narme/

I've pasted in the Google translation of the email below.

JUNE 11 / DIGITAL TRANSFER For the first time, a world premiere is streaming from the Opera! Closer is a meeting between two film directors, ten ballet dancers and two choreographers. June 11, you can experience it for free at home in the living room. The evening consists of the newly created ballets Distant Closeness by Lucas Lima and 5 Ballerinas by Melissa Hough. The two film directors Emilie Norenberg and Haakon Mathisen each create their own cinematic expression of the dance. When the cameras are on stage, the dance gets an expression we don't usually see.  Some of the National Ballet's most profiled dancers are on stage: Soloist Eugenie Skilnand dances in both works. She is accompanied by soloists Maiko Nishino, Silas Henriksen and Whitney Jensen, Stine Østvold, Victoria Amundsen, Cristiane Sá, Kári Freyr Bjørnsson and UNG dancer Erika Pastel.

The latest streamed offering from Ballet Cymru will be A Child's Christmas in Wales. On their YouTube channel from 2pm this Sunday 14th and available for 48 hours afterwards.

I haven't seen this one, but remember reading some good reviews so looking forward!

Excited to get my copy! Although for information it's looking like Zenmarket is a slower service than Tenso. Useful to find these things out though!

6 hours ago, capybara said:

 

I was actually thinking of what/who would have the potential to generate revenue for the ROH. That is the key issue here. I take it that we've all seen the statement from Alex Beard that the ROH cannot stay afloat on its current resources beyond the autumn?

 

 

 

Very good point, apologies capybara for misunderstanding. My excitement got the better of me!

Possibly they are still at the stage of what is practically possible, which could be quite limited - maybe the new McGregor is something well designed for the limitations. It must be quite a difficult balance, trying to maximise the audience of people keen enough to pay whilst finding productions that aren't too expensive to put on.

There are certainly dancers I'd be more excited about seeing than others. But personally I'll be thrilled to watch live streamed ballet from any of the Royal Ballet dancers at those prices. And indeed I would be if the opportunity was still there after the opera house is fully re-opened. This is wonderful news 🙂

It was my first time watching on Friday night - I'll try to re-visit while it's still available. But first impressions were very good, I found it an enjoyable and highly emotional piece. A wonderful performance by Lauren Cuthbertson particularly.

So far I've been a big fan of everything I've seen by Cathy Marston - maybe her style (including innovative use of dancers for props and other things) is just one that appeals to some people but not to all?

Thanks Bruce, I'll check those out.

On a similar note, Megan Fairchild herself will be in conversation with Leanne Cope on Leanne's Instagram account. Sunday 31st at 3pm.

Many thanks for the information Richard LH, very much appreciated!

I've just started with the Zenmarket option, so will feed back on how it goes 🙂

Brilliant, thank you so much Naomi M!

Unfortunately at check out the site informed me they have temporarily suspended international shipping. But I'll keep checking back 🙂

This is wonderful thank you! Does anyone know if it's possible to switch the language to English? I think I've added it to my cart but not sure which button to press next! Thanks for any advice 🙂