jmhopton

53 minutes ago, capybara said:

Just received from the ROH (extracts from e-mail):

 

[..........................] I am contacting you as we are conducting some remote research towards our work to provide an improved user experience when purchasing a ticket via the ROH website.

The sessions will take place on [............................] and will last up to 60 minutes. Participants will join a remote research session via either a Zoom App or Microsoft Teams App using their own computer (desktop/laptop/ipad) at home.

[...............................................]

 

 

Yes I've received one too. 

Ah, I didn't know about stories. I'll have to try this. They don't make it clear for the uninitiated. I wondered how people got so much information off Instagram when it seemed just a place to post photos or videos. You've opened up a whole new world for me oncnp! Thanks very much for this. 

9 minutes ago, oncnp said:

 

You may still be able to see it if they stream the WTGH program. His IG is showing a whole lot of Corsair.  That might be what they are dancing next week.

Thanks oncnp. I would have thought if they were only streaming one programme it would be WTGH as Elite Syncopation was streamed for the last concert. 

I don't think I'm very good with Instagram as the latest postings on Vadims account I can see are stills of him in Giselle. There is one of him rehearsing corsaire abroad but its a month or two ago. Is there anything on it about him rehearsing corsaire at the ROH? If it's as good as the performance of it he gave at the Fonteyn gala last year it will be incredible. 

1 hour ago, MargaretN7 said:

I wish all of you who are able to attend these performances all the best for an enjoyable evening. As I can't get to ROH, not allowed to use public transport and have sight impairment so can't drive, I'm still hoping they'll live stream, or as live, one of each of these programmes.

 

Has anyone had any recent response to this request?

I did have a reply from a letter I wrote to Kevin

O'Hare in which he said he hopes he may be able to stream one of the programmes. However time is going on if they want to publicise this. Don't they start next week? I was keeping everything crossed for a stream of Vadim doing the Tchaikovsky pas de deux whose rehearsals features in the WBD programme as I won't be able to make it to the ROH. 

Had a reply to my letter from Kevin O'Hare today in which he says 'We hope that we might be able to stream one of the programmes coming up in November'. So hope yet.

He also offered some insights on Carousel when I asked him if the RB had danced it before as it was originally staged for the National Theatre.  

'Glad you enjoyed the Carousel piece. Yes, we had revived it for a gala here some years ago with Sarah Lamb and Carlos Acosta and then later that year I put it in a programme we took to New York. I was hoping to include it in the upcoming programmes again but it is a huge orchestration so unable to do it now we have restricted numbers in the pit.'

So hope again that this piece will be revived when things are more normal. It would be a perfect gala piece, perhaps for the first night of the ROH opening with a full house and orchestra!

Thanks oncnp. Got it now. 

Promise not to mention any other dancers but was intrigued why Joseph Sissens did a brief introduction to the concert but didn't seem to be participating. Does anyone know? Tried Facebook and Instagram but couldn't see anything. 

Yes, I too have really enjoyed revisiting DAAG which I preferred to The Cellist. Usually I tend to get a bit bored with ballets that have a succession of similar dances (I think Elite Syncopations is a bit too long) but I loved DAAG from the first time I saw it in the cinema. Especially love both Laura Moreras and Alex Campbells performance and wished in a way they'd reprised them for the concert. Anyway, DAAG is a great ballet and I'm looking forward to seeing it a few more times yet. 

3 hours ago, oncnp said:

 

She's been ill but is recovering. She has posted about it on her IG account. 

Thanks oncnp. I did look at her last 2 Instagram posts but didn't see anything. Haven't really grasped how it works yet!

Does anyone know anything about Beatrix Stix Brunel? Just realised she wasn't in the concert (couldn't see her name, anyway) and can't see anything recent on social media (though I'm not at all expert on it!)

6 hours ago, Bluebird said:

 

Recently there was a Ballet Association Zoom interview with Kevin O'Hare. He was asked about this matter and his  response was that there wouldn't be any promotions.

Thanks very much for this Bluebird. Can't say I'm surprised but if it's been decided why not announce it on their own website?

I did receive a reply from Alex Beard today (he's usually quite prompt at replying considering how busy he must be). He thanked me for my letter and was pleased I enjoyed the performance but he's letting Kevin reply to my queries so we'll have to see what he says about the streaming. I can't see why they wouldn't stream the programmes but if so why not say so when they're announced?

5 minutes ago, oncnp said:

 

Announcing it would also have been transparent. The ROH has no problem announcing they have fired all of their casual staff with perhaps worse to come  when the results of the redundancy consultations are announced.  Just a little duplicitous.

Yes I agree. I didn't really think there would be any promotions this year given the financial circumstances but it would be nice to be told this and had it official. Would also be nice to know about whether or not the Nov performances are going to be streamed. The problem is, if they're paid streams most people will have seen Elite Syncopations already. I assume casting will be much the same because of the bubble situation. Still, it will be worth paying just to see everything else. I did praise the live concert very highly and say what an emotional  joy it is to see the RB back on stage again.

13 hours ago, Richard LH said:

Does anyone know if  the two  November ballet programmes (A and B ), and the Nutcracker, are being streamed live, for a fee, as well as being available for a (restricted) live audience? I initially assumed they were but now I can't find confirmation and I am wondering if this only applies to the operas.....

I have emailed both Alex Beard and Kevin O'Hare a week ago to ask if the Nov programmes are being streamed and also if there are going to be any RB promotions this year but haven't heard back yet. 

I just watched it on iplayer thanks to the tip off from here. Elite Syncopation looked fabulous and loved the few words from Marianella and Vadim, especially when she referred to him as her 'work husband' on account of them being in the same bubble. 

Went to see the Red Shoes at my local Vue cinema this afternoon and really enjoyed it, and the feeling of attending a performance again, albeit on the cinema screen rather than a live show. I'm not at all a fan of Matthew Bournes's productions and this is the first full length ballet of his I've enjoyed. Of course the storyline was terrific. The Red Shoes is one of my favourite films (could watch Anton Walbrook for ever though he so often play slightly creepy characters). I thought it great Matthew Bourne kept so close to the film scenario and used the score. Loved the sets and costumes and the scene on the beach at the Riviera (was it taken from Le Traine Bleu or just a pastiche of it?) The music hall scene near the end was really good too. The sand dance like the old Wilson, Kepple and Betty music hall act was terrific and had us all laughing at the cinema, though where was Betty? Adam Cooper was uncannily like Anton Walbrook though I wish he'd had more dancing to do. I thought Matthew could have given him a solo at least or perhaps a fantasy like dance with Vicky. The only snag was I kept thinking back to when I last saw Adam in a great classical role, as Onegin with the RB. he was possibly the best Onegin I've ever seen. Of course the two characters were rather similar. Anyway, a really good afternoon and I hope it will be on TV sometime as the BBC were involved. It would make a great Christmas ballet.

Incidentally, still haven't seen the RB Giselle or Nutcracker on the Vue or Odeon calendars yet. has anyone else seen them advertised at all? I know it's early days yet, especially for the Nutcracker but Events are often advertised well in advance. I hope cinemas will take them as they're repeats though the Bolshoi seem to manage.

I vividly remember when the Forum was forced was forced to close for a short time. It was a nightmare. I felt so cut off and bereft. Not living near London I am almost totally reliant on the Forum for news, information and discussion and what a boon it has always been being easily able to find out so much about so many Companies and programmes. I log on most days and it's like returning to an old friend. Even in these difficult times there is always something to  read and think and comment about and it is a great way to forget about other problems (especially the virus!) Worth every penny I can contribute!

Many thanks to the mods for all their hard work and enthusiasm. It wouldn't happen without them and we're all so grateful.

1 hour ago, oncnp said:

 

Good point. Perhaps they are having reserve bubbles (eg Alex Campbell and Clair Calvert who are a real bubble). The Guardian article this AM mentioned 7 additional bubbles but didn't list that many.  

Yes, the first thing that struck me from the Guardian article is it only mentioned three 'bubble couples' whereas Alexander and Claire make 4. I'm glad Alex at least is mentioned in the list of principals as I was rather disappointed he and Claire were omitted from the previous short concerts and was really hoping to see them this time.

Thanks for this Rob. It sounds great. I too long to be back in London at the ROH but goodness knows when that will be. 

Were you allowed to take photos of the theatre from the stage? 

I recently had a reply from Alex Beard to an email I sent him. In it I mentioned Open House specifically and said it would be a dream to set foot on the ROH stage but couldn't get tickets or make it to London at the moment. He said they were considering continuing the Open House tours after Open House had finished so fingers crossed they do and I might yet set foot on the ROH stage. 

Me too. I love Leticia Dias and Francisco in particular and hoped they might be promoted at year end but possibly not to be this year unless there are promotions announced later. I suppose now is the time they're usually announced but difficult with so little dancing done not to mention financial implications. 

13 hours ago, Richard LH said:

Thanks for this Joan! Rye is quite local for us, so we have booked our first live dance since March! 

As this is a live performance, rather than lockdown streaming etc.  I am putting up a separate thread for it with some more details.

 

Lucky you Richard. Let us know what it's like and who the RB dancers are. Thanks for putting up a separate thread as well. I wasn't sure but I think you're right as it is an actual performance with audience and there aren't too many of those at the moment! 

I just added details of 3 live performances by artists including 4 RB dancers at Rye in East Sussex, Sat 26-Sun 27 Sept. Some ticket prices rather expensive and in tables for two but still...

Also seen the Mousetrap is re-opening in London on Oct 23rd back at St Martins Theatre.

https://uk.the-mousetrap.co.uk/

On the opening page it says 'Proud to re-open the west End' so perhaps there are hopes for other venues. It can't come soon enough for me though with all the Covid problems returning I hope it won't have to close again.

12 hours ago, Jeannette said:

 

This is PNB, not Sarasota, jmhopton. 

 

Sarasota is “hoping” to finalize and announce its schedule by the end of next week. They pulled whatever Bruce received but we can hope that they’ll present some of their archival films of Ashton ballets danced in past seasons, such as Birthday Offering listed in Bruce’s message. Due to corona, R&J and Dante Sonata never made it to the stage...so not filmed, unless there’s some rehearsal footage. 

Sorry I misread your posting Jeanette (I seem to be getting scattier by the day!) but thrilled there may still be a chance of some (hopefully) rare Ashton. I'm not bothered what it is. Anything will be gratefully received! Joan 

4 hours ago, Jeannette said:

 

I’ve just received my old fashioned hard-copy  brochure from PNB. So clear and spot-on in its presentation on digital offerings, with easy-to-read calendar. We know exactly what we’re getting. Bravo! I’m subscribing.

 

Many thanks for this Jeanette. Great to have their programme confirmed though I have to say I prefer Bruce's version! Where is the Ashton?! For a Company who specialises in Ashton I'm very disappointed he doesn't even get a short ballet and I was so looking forward to seeing his Romeo and Juliet again. I'll just have to go back to the dvds, a bit of a comedown when I thought I was going to see something new. 

11 minutes ago, alison said:

 

It's the gala mixed bill, like last week's opera one.

Thanks Alison. I suppose I should have thought of that but didn't!!

Dave, do you know what the Royal Ballet Mixed Bill is, please, that you mention in the Upcoming Events on Oct 9th? I can't find it on their website though all the other streamed and cinema events are there.