gdallas

I went this afternoon, it was interesting but not great though I am really not an expert. We had Kimin Kim who was superb when called upon to dance but most of the time had very little to do. Natalia Matsak was a bit disappointing and didn't complete the 32 fouttes. Looked like 27 and then a stop. The ending was weird but expected, I really don't like this version at all. Some of the corps scenes were pleasing but there was I thought an overall rather flat vibe, the dancers didn't seem as engaged as you'd like them to be or expect them to be.

I rather think that the acoustics in the Coliseum are better than ROH, though this orchestra was a bit....grumpy sounding. A bit sort of resentful. And a few buüm notes too.

What was really weird was that before curtain went up there were loads of people in the wrong seats! Some of the ushers didn't seem very sure where the seats were.

So all in all it was...interesting. But it kind of makes you realise how lucky we are with our own companies here in London and the UK.

Roll on Francesca Hayward's Juliet. I am looking forward to that a lot

I went to this, had no idea what to expect. It was very strange! Very glamourous with l

It's of cameras and ball gowns and an unusual (to me) crowd. Some lovely parts but I

Didn't really like the "edited highlights" approach though it was amazing to see so many wonderful dancers "The swan of Tuonela" I thought very beautiful, though it was a shame it was danced to recorded music.

I'd love to hear other thoughts......

The RSB are performing Swan Lake and La Fille Mal Gardee in Oxford, in March. I'm curious. Can anyone tell me anything about them? Will they have their own orchestra ? Is it a good venue? It could be interesting for me.....

Thank you

Ok, thank you very much

Is it certain there will be no 'Nutcracker' Christmas 2014? I am interested to know how we can see the calendar that far ahead. Is there some hidden part of the ROH website? Wouldnt surprise me.....though it does seem a bit better now. 

Thank you

Graham

Went last night, my first Balanchine and it was very novel for me. Emeralds I found hard to like, my wife knows much more about this than I do - she explained it, the references to older styles (which I like in themselves), but I found it hard. Also, the Faure music didnt reach me. Like so many I thought that Rubies was wonderful, McRae was fabulous and Osipova is  the Queen of Covent Garden - but I am a fan myself so I enjoyed it immensely. I thought that Melissa Hamilton was excellent too and not overshadowed by the brilliant leading pair.

Is Osipova a bit OTT? I am too much of a tyro to know but she certainly gets the audience excited, and seems to me a fantastic dancer, but my technical knowledge is about zero.

Diamonds I found strange, it kind of should have been romantic but in the absence of story or character it couldnt be. Lovely music though, and the last part of this dance, when the stage gets brightly lit, really came to life.

I felt that this choreography really comes to life when there are a lot of dancers on stage, doing complex things, weaving pictures and patterns.

Still as I say I am new and learning. Really enjoyed some of it. Rubies alone worth the price

We had a family treat and saw Cojocaru and Muntagirov from box U last night which was great in unexpected ways. Fabulous to hear the orchestra so well - we were right above the pit. And to be so close to the dancers was wonderful. But we lost about 30% of the stage and couldn't see the Christmas tree at all.....some amazing glimpses I'm to the wings including the Sugar Plum Fairy high fiving as she exited......

Is this danced to recorded music, or is there an orchestra? I have seen some other dance performances with recorded music and I felt it was a bit flat - I think I'm beginning to realise that the music is just as much a part of the evening as the dancing, the staging etc and you can't beat a live band....

Graham

Yes I'd love to go to La Fenice....

Tours en l'air's calendar is brilliant, thank you.

Our anniversary is 11 December, so quite good for getting all the Christmas stuff . . . .though it can also sometimes be an expensive time of year for hotels!

Thank you very much everyone. Katherine, I have subscribed to your email, thank you for that.

Lots of good ideas, and plenty of time to plan. Next I am going to see the Canadian National Ballet in London, 'Romeo and Juliet'. But I'm going to watch the ticket board here for some late opportunities too.

I like this forum

Graham

Is there any equivalent to the opera that takes place in Holland Park in London in the summer? It is great to see new things, up and coming artists, and it has a special atmosphere. I was wondering if there is any ballet equivalent? Or other suggestions....

Thank you

Graham

I like to book a special long weekend or midweek trip each year for our wedding anniversary, and include either ballet or opera. We had a fantastic trip to New York and saw La Boheme one year (feeling flush that time). Last year we went to Oslo and saw 'Nutcracker' which was not so impressive. In between we have treated ourselves in London. We do go to the ballet and opera a fair bit, not tyros though not super experts.

The anniversary is in December so it's good to go somewhere that is worth visiting in the winter. Next year I am thinking maybe Prague, or Vienna. But I dont know those cities at all, or the theatres there. One of the great things at the Met is the restaurant, very grand and a real treat. The restaurant in Oslo Opera House was not so impressive. I think ROH is great - I know it is pricey but it does feel special.

I would love to hear ideas or suggestions, any guidance at all.

Thank you

Graham