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If I could justify the ticket price and train fare I'd be all over these: Sunday 27 October 2019 - Foyer de danse (1932) with Christopher Newton and Ursula Hageli and Le Papillon variation (1975) with Wayne EaglingSunday 23 February 2020 - Voices of Spring (1977) with Merle Park and Wayne Eagling Link: http://www.frederickashton.org.uk/news.html#forthcoming

Just finished watching Katie Mitchell's marvellous take on Bartok's Duke Bluebard's Castle with the Bavarian State Opera, available as VOD until 10 Mar 2020. https://operlive.de/. If I remember correctly, streams provided by the Bavarian State Opera are accessible from the UK; I don't know about other countries. In Mitchell's production, Nina Stemme plays Anna Barlow, a detective who sets out to investigate the disappearance of three women who had worked as escorts. John Lundgren is Bluebard. I loved the introductory video, setting the scene, and very much filmed in the style of a thriller. It was fascinating to observe how Judith wins over Bluebard to open the doors one after the other. And I found the outcome rather refreshing (no spoiler here but see the synopsis, available via https://operlive.de/). Forthcoming live streaming this season here https://www.staatsoper.de/tv.html?no_cache=1 Live streaming by Stuttgart Opera this season here https://www.staatsoper-stuttgart.de/service/live/ (the site doesn't mention whether this comes with a geo block so I don't know about access from the UK / other countries).

An unexpected (given their scheduling) pleasure to have O'Sullivan/Hay dance the General Rehearsal today I didn't catch all the cast changes, can anyone confirm who danced the Fairy of the Crystal Fountain ?

Casting appears to be up on the individual pages for each date, as accessed via the old-school calendar at https://www.roh.org.uk/evebts/calendar/2020/january and so on.

Next season's repertoire for the RDB was announced this morning: Queen of Spades (Scarlett) Blixen (new full length by Gregory Dean) Nutcracker (Balanchine) Ballet de Luxe - Act 3 of Raymonda/Ballo della Regina-/August 2.0 ("a respectful nod to August Bournonville, bringing the master's choreography into the 21st century" - arranged by Dinna Bjørn and Nikolaj Hubbe) Mahler's 3rd Symphony (Neumeier) Come fly away (Twyla Tharp) A Folk Tale (Bournonville) ... plus a number of smaller scale works and collaborations Interesting that Gregory Dean gets another big opportunity straight after this season's Cinderella - and from the publicity photo, another big leading role for Kizzy Matiakis! Full programme

Pathé Live is showing the 2019-20 season of Bolshoi broadcasts, but for some reason only in French at the moment: https://www.pathelive.com/programme/ballet-du-bolchoi-19-20

Got it.... AutumnBalletCasting2019.pdf NB: For Monotones casting, see Bluebird's post on page 8

English National Ballet Nutcracker National Tour 27 November – 5 January 2020 Liverpool Empire and London Coliseum www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker As part of its 70th Anniversary Season English National Ballet is continuing its Christmas tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production each year since 1950. English National Ballet's Nutcracker returns this festive season with performances at the Liverpool Empire Theatre (27-30 November) and the London Coliseum (11 December-5 January) Principal casting for the performances is announced today and sees three debuts in the roles of Clara and Nephew. Guest artist Brooklyn Mack will debut in the role of Nephew for ENB partnered with Principal Shiori Kase, First Soloist Emma Hawes will debut in the role of Clara alongside First Soloist Aitor Arrieta and Daniel McCormickdebuts as Nephew and will be dancing with Soloist Rina Kanehara. Other pairings in the roles of Clara and Nephew respectively are; Lead Principals Alina Cojocaru and Isaac Hernández, Lead Principals Joseph Caley and Jeffrey Cirio are both partnered with First Soloist Katja Khaniukova, Lead Principal Erina Takahashi will perform with Principal Francesco Gabriele Frola, Lead Principal Fernanda Oliveira and First Soloist James Forbat and First Artist Francesca Velicu with First Soloist Ken Saruhashi. Also announced today are those dancing the role of Nutcracker which sees debuts for Artist of the Company Matthew Astley and First Artist Henry Dowden. Returning to the role of Nutcracker this season are; First Soloists Aitor Arrieta, James Format and Junor Souza, Soloist Skyler Martin, First Artists Daniel McCormick and Erik Woolhouse and Artist of the Company Fernando Carratalá Coloma. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Since its premiere in 2010, this festive family favourite has been seen by over 660,000 people, and continues to attract new audiences, with 70% of 2018's audience members first time attenders at the London Coliseum. To coincide with Nutcracker, English National Ballet will host a range of workshops and events, aimed to provide a gateway into the world of ballet. Activities include on-stage workshops for all ages including adult and youth ballet workshops, arts and craft family workshops and behind-the-scenes talks. The Family Friendly performance ofNutcracker is on Sunday 5 January. Children under 5 may attend this performance and up to two children under 16 can go free with each full paying adult. For more details, see www.ballet.org.uk/whats-on Nutcracker Principal Casting: In the order of Clara, Nephew and Nutcracker Liverpool Wednesday 27 November Shiori Kase, Brooklyn Mack*+, Junor Souza Thursday 28 November (mat) Emma Hawes*, Aitor Arrieta, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Thursday 28 November Rina Kanehara, Daniel McCormick*, Erik Woolhouse Friday 29 November Emma Hawes, Aitor Arrieta, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Saturday 30 November (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Matthew Astley Saturday 30 November Shiori Kase, Brooklyn Mack, Junor Souza London Wednesday 11 December Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Thursday 12 December Katja Khaniukova, Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel McCormick Friday 13 December Shiori Kase, Brooklyn Mack, Junor Souza Saturday 14 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Henry Dowden Saturday 14 December Katja Khaniukova, Joseph Caley, Aitor Arrieta Sunday 15 December (mat) Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Tuesday 17 December (mat) Rina Kanehara, Daniel McCormick, Erik Woolhouse Tuesday 17 December Katja Khaniukova, Joseph Caley, Aitor Arrieta Wednesday 18 December (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Henry Dowden Wednesday 18 December Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Thursday 19 December (mat) Emma Hawes, Aitor Arrieta, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Thursday 19 December Katja Khaniukova, Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel McCormick Friday 20 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Matthew Astley Friday 20 December Shiori Kase, Brooklyn Mack, Junor Souza Saturday 21 December (mat) Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Saturday 21 December Rina Kanehara, Daniel McCormick, Erik Woolhouse Sunday 22 December (mat) Alina Cojocaru, Isaac Hernández, James Forbat Tuesday 24 December (mat) Alina Cojocaru, Isaac Hernández, James Forbat Thursday 26 December Emma Hawes, Aitor Arrieta, Fernando Carratalá Coloma Friday 27 December (mat) Katja Khaniukova, Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel McCormick Friday 27 December Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Henry Dowden Saturday 28 December (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Matthew Astley Saturday 28 December Alina Cojocaru, Isaac Hernández, James Forbat Sunday 29 December (mat) Shiori Kase, Brooklyn Mack, Junor Souza Monday 30 December (mat) Rina Kanehara, Daniel McCormick, Erik Woolhouse Monday 30 December Katja Khaniukova, Joseph Caley, Aitor Arrieta Tuesday 31 December (mat) Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Thursday 2 January Katja Khaniukova, Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel McCormick Friday 3 January (mat) Alina Cojocaru, Isaac Hernández, James Forbat Saturday 4 January (mat) Francesca Velicu, Ken Saruhashi, Matthew Astley Saturday 4 January Erina Takahashi, Francesco Gabriele Frola, Skyler Martin Sunday 5 January (mat) Fernanda Oliveira, James Forbat, Henry Dowden *Debut in the role with English National Ballet +Guest Artist Please note, casting is subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for up to date casting. -ENDS- Listings: Nutcracker Liverpool Empire Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 November 2019 Box Office: 0844 871 3017 or www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Nutcracker London Coliseum Wednesday 11 December 2019 - Sunday 5 January 2020 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. Notes to Editors About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English Dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has played a major role in the growth and history of ballet in the UK. Today, English National Ballet is renowned for taking world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through its national and international tour programme, offsite performances at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude, its distinguished orchestra English National Ballet Philharmonic, and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice and delivery, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet has gained new acclaim as it introduces innovative new works to the Company’s repertoire while continuing to honour and reinvigorate traditional ballet. www.ballet.org.uk About Arts Council England Arts Council England is the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk

Any idea when we might expect the ROH 19/20 season to be announced? I've never known it so late as this year.

Miami City Ballet: - https://www.miamicityballet.org/1920season?fbclid=IwAR2FJIpBTN2HHXnX-68CjpGHKP9IgyNtKMiM6fkqBhnOnpaRv8CE5_iubfw

English National Ballet 2019-2020 Season ballet.org.uk English National Ballet says ‘Thank You’ as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary Akram Khan to create second full-length production for English National Ballet Le Corsaire returns with performances at Milton Keynes Theatre and the London Coliseum Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella to be performed in Manchester and Southampton The Company’s first full Season after moving to their new home at London City Island Mayor of London awards £1million grant through his Good Growth Fund to support English National Ballet’s ‘Bridging Neighbourhoods – Growing Talent’ project English National Ballet appoints first Medical Director to maximise the benefits of the new building’s state-of-the-art fitness and rehabilitation facilities English National Ballet today announces plans for its 2019-2020 Season and updates on their new home at London City Island: 2020 marks English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary with celebrations taking place throughout the 2019-2020 Season that give opportunities for the Company to say, ‘Thank You’ to its audiences, fans, friends and partners. The 70th Anniversary will be celebrated with three special Gala performances at the London Coliseumfeaturing extracts from a diverse range of repertoire spanning English National Ballet’s history. Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet’s Artistic Director said: “Our 70th Anniversary Gala performances are a rare opportunity to showcase in one place a huge variety of brilliant work from our extraordinarily rich history. This will be a Gala that celebrates the sheer love of dance, both on and off the stage, that has been part of our vision from the beginning. Throughout the three performances we will be bringing together as many people as possible from the English National Ballet family, on stage and in the audience, to celebrate and give thanks for the generosity of all who make this the very special Company it is. Alongside the Gala, we want to make sure we thank our audiences and partners throughout the season and will do so in a variety of creative ways.” Celebrating and thanking its touring communities, English National Ballet will give away 70 tickets during each run in every city it tours to. Working with its partner venues, these tickets will be distributed to individuals who are making a positive impact in their community. To thank its audiences and fans, English National Ballet will also give a ‘Golden Ticket’ for a special English National Ballet experience to one audience member per performance throughout the season. Opportunities will include behind-the-scenes tours, complimentary tickets, and meet and greets. Further details and additional events to be announced throughout the season. English National Ballet will mark its 70th Anniversary having moved into a new home at London City Island, Canning Town. This state-of-the-art building, designed especially for English National Ballet and English National Ballet School and featuring a theatre size production studio fitted with fly tower, allows for the 2019-2020 Season to be shaped with a renewed commitment to, and freedom for, creativity and ambition. Renowned choreographer Akram Khan returns to create a second full-length production for English National Ballet following the success of Giselle. Taking inspiration from Mary Shelley’s literary classic, Frankenstein, Khan’s new ballet, titled Creature, is influenced by essential questions on ambition, human endeavour and morality. Creature is co-produced by Sadler’s Wells, London, where it will premiere in April 2020. Akram Khan said: “Since I was a child, I have been obsessed and fascinated with the story of Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. The outcast, the monster, or the stranger has always been a common theme in my works. But in this new creation, I am looking further into the areas related to the sense of abandonment, rage and loss. Having made Giselle on English National Ballet in 2016, I am extremely excited to create a new full-length work with them.” Tamara Rojo said: “Akram is an extraordinary artist, with an exceptional vision and inquisitive, inspiring mind. His masterful choreography is like no other and he has the skill to use his unique language to craft a narrative that asks some of the most challenging questions faced by the human race right now. I am looking forward to working with Akram and his team again and excited to see where this exploration takes him and the company in what will be our third project together.” The 2019-2020 Season will also see the return of Khan’s first full-length collaboration with English National Ballet, Giselle, with performances at Sadler’s Wells in September, with English National Ballet Philharmonic. Co-produced with Manchester International Festival and Sadler’s Wells, the critically acclaimed reimagining of the iconic ballet received its world premiere in 2016 and has since been seen live by over 80,000 people through tours to nine cities, both in the UK and internationally. Giselle has also been broadcast in cinemas and was recently released on DVD and Blu-ray. For the first time, there will be an audio described performance of Giselle at Sadler’s Wells this autumn, making the ballet accessible to visually impaired people. Based on the original audio description created by Audio Described Aotearoa as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, a description of the action as it appears on stage will be given as well as an on-stage ‘touch tour’ ahead of the performance, in which participants are given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with costumes and props through touch. Continuing its commitment to UK touring and presenting world-class ballet to the widest possible audience, Autumn 2019 sees English National Ballet present three acclaimed ballets, Cinderella, Le Corsaire, and Nutcracker, on tour. Following Christopher Wheeldon’s restaging of Cinderella for in-the-round performances at the Royal Albert Hall in June 2019, English National Ballet will bring the proscenium arch version of this sparkling ballet to audiences outside of London in Manchester and Southampton. This inventive production combines magnificent sets and costumes, beautiful choreography, and Prokofiev’s sublime score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Having delighted audiences around the world with tours including Japan, Paris, and Spain, Autumn 2019 sees Le Corsaire return to Milton Keynes six years after its 2013 premiere in that same city, before performances at the London Coliseum in January 2020. The only UK company to perform the complete work, English National Ballet’s production was staged by Anna-Marie Holmes and features sets by Hollywood designer, Bob Ringwood, and a sweeping score performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Tamara Rojo said: “Le Corsaire is a spectacular ballet that gives us another opportunity to showcase the extraordinary talent that is present throughout the entire Company right now. There is a physical power and brilliant dramatic presence in this generation of dancers, and I am looking forward to seeing them take on these roles which I think they will relish and have such fun with, and I think audiences will too.” Continuing its Christmas tradition of presenting a Nutcracker production each year since 1950, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker will tour to Liverpool ahead of performances at the London Coliseum. Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score is performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Since its premiere in 2010, this festive family favourite has been seen by over 660,000 people, and continues to attract new audiences, with 70% of 2018’s audience members first time attenders at the London Coliseum. English National Ballet remains committed to developing and nurturing talent within the company. Emerging Dancer, which returns in Spring 2020, recognises the excellence of the Company’s artists through an annual celebration that sees six finalists mentored by their peers to perform in front of a panel of eminent judges. The winner of Emerging Dancer is announced alongside the People’s Choice award and the Corps de Ballet award, introduced to recognise the hard work and dedication of an exceptional member of the corps. Developing the ballet audience of tomorrow, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School’s My First Ballet series takes a popular ballet title and adapts it in time and length, making it accessible to children as young as three. Since 2012, over 290,000 people have seen a ballet from the series. 2020 sees a new version of My First Ballet: Cinderella performed on tour in the UK. International ballet star, Brooklyn Mack, will perform with English National Ballet as a Guest Artist during the Autumn-Winter 2019-2020 Season. Mack last performed with English National Ballet in 2016, in Le Corsaire. Taking the very best in British ballet to audiences across the world, English National Ballet tours Akram Khan’s Giselle internationally next season. Following tours to Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg in June 2019 and at the Chekov International Festival on the Bolshoi Theatre stage in July 2019, English National Ballet will take this stellar production to the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona in April 2020, and to the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris in July 2020 as part of the festival Les Étés de la Danse. Plans for English National Ballet’s Summer 2020 performances will be announced later this Spring. The Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund supports English National Ballet’s Bridging Neighbourhoods – Growing Talent project The Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund has committed to a £1million grant to support English National Ballet’s move and their East London focused project, Bridging Neighbourhoods – Growing Talent. Through this project English National Ballet will share its new world-class cultural infrastructure on the Lea River Estuary as a multi-disciplinary creative hub for active participation and skills development, and as a catalyst for bringing communities together through the sharing of culture. The project will generate 8 new FTE jobs, 20 new Associate Artists and deliver a new skills development programme that provides training, apprenticeships, volunteering, residences and learning opportunities for 4,000 people over the next three years with a focus on recruitment from the local area and across East London. Patrick Harrison, English National Ballet’s Executive Director, said: “This grant is greatly valued in supporting our ambitious aims as we make our move to East London. As the cultural anchor on London City Island, we will use public spaces, exhibition and shared workspace, a costume-making workshop and production studio to bridge relationships with creative partners and local communities, and make space available for learning, apprenticeships and employment.” Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said: “We are pleased to support English National Ballet in its new home at London City Island, and that the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund has helped unlock significant wider benefits from this project. I’m confident our support will translate into a programme of local learning and employment opportunities in the future for Londoners in this area and across the capital.” English National Ballet’s Capital Fundraising Campaign English National Ballet also announces today generous support from the Dorfman Foundation, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Rothschild Foundation, 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, alongside donations from individual supporters. Thanks to this and to early supporters of the project including Arts Council England, Linbury Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wigoder Family Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Clore Duffield Foundation and Wolfson Foundation, £34million of the £36million needed to build English National Ballet and English National Ballet School’s new home at London City Island has already been raised. To raise the final £2million, English National Ballet’s fundraising campaign continues, with a new capital campaign microsite launched today. Every donation facilitated by the microsite contributes towards equipping the new home with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, from sewing machines for the costume workshop, to mirrors for the studios, to treatment beds for the health suite. English National Ballet appoints first Medical Director Continuing its commitment to its dancers’ health and well-being, English National Ballet has appointed Andy Reynolds as Medical Director, a new role within the organisation which leads on the provision of science and medicine to all dancers at English National Ballet. Reynolds joins the company from Harlequins Rugby Football Club where he was Head of Medical Services and brings with him extensive experience as a medical lead having managed all aspects of medical care for the First XV Premiership team and other squads within the club. His role saw him act as lead diagnostic clinician and manager of a large multidisciplinary team delivering medical and rehabilitation provision. The Medical Director will work to maximise the benefits of the new premises state-of-the-art fitness and rehabilitation facilities which include a gym, Pilates studio, hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms, implementing processes and strategies to allow English National Ballet’s dancers to prepare, perform, and recover to the best of their abilities. Tamara Rojo said: “The appointment of a Medical Director is integral to our ambition to establish English National Ballet as a renowned centre for medical, fitness, and injury rehabilitation provision in the dance world. I look forward to welcoming Andy to the team as we strive to further invest in the health and well-being of our dancers in a way that supports their artistic development, so they can reach their full potential as artists.” English National Ballet moves to London City Island in Spring 2019 with English National Ballet School joining ahead of their new academic year starting in September 2019. -ENDS- Notes to Editors English National Ballet’s Capital Campaign microsite can be found here: donate.ballet.org.uk On-Sale Information: Cinderella, Le Corsaire and Nutcracker open for priority booking to Friends from 10am on Friday 15 March2019 with general booking open from 10am on Friday 22 March 2019. Please note that booking for Cinderella at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre opened in January 2019. Priority booking for Akram Khan’s Giselle will open 10am on Monday 8 April for Patrons, Wednesday 10 April for Great Friends, Friday 12 April for Friends, with general booking from Monday 15 April 2019. Creature by Akram Khan, My First Ballet: Cinderella and Emerging Dancer 2020 will open for booking in Autumn 2019. Details on booking for English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala to follow. Become a Friend today to enjoy priority booking, access to exclusive events throughout the season, and great discounts. Sign up to our e-newsletter to find out when booking is announced. English National Ballet’s 2019-2020 Season Listings: Akram Khan’s Giselle Sadler’s Wells, London Wednesday 18 - Saturday 28 September 2019 Box Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.ballet.org.uk/giselle Cinderella Palace Theatre, Manchester Thursday 17 - Saturday 19 October 2019 Box Office: 0844 871 3019 or www.ballet.org.uk/cinderella Cinderella Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Wednesday 23 - Saturday 26 October 2019 Box Office: 02380 711811 or www.ballet.org.uk/cinderella Le Corsaire Milton Keynes Theatre Wednesday 20 - Saturday 23 November 2019 Box Office: 0844 871 7652 or www.ballet.org.uk/lecorsaire Nutcracker Liverpool Empire Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 November 2019 Box Office: 0844 871 3017 or www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Nutcracker London Coliseum Wednesday 11 December 2019 - Sunday 5 January 2020 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Le Corsaire London Coliseum Wednesday 8 - Tuesday 14 January 2020 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/lecorsaire English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary Gala London Coliseum Friday 17 - Saturday 18 January 2020 Further details to be announced Creature by Akram Khan Sadler’s Wells, London Wednesday 01 - Wednesday 08 April 2020 On sale details to be announced / www.ballet.org.uk/creature Emerging Dancer Spring 2020 Further details to be announced My First Ballet: Cinderella Spring 2020 Further details to be announced Akram Khan’s Giselle Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona Wednesday 22 - Saturday 25 April 2020 www.liceubarcelona.cat Akram Khan’s Giselle Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris July 2020 Further details to be announced About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has played a major role in the growth and history of ballet in the UK. Today, English National Ballet is renowned for taking world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through its national and international tour programme, offsite performances at festivals including Glastonbury and Latitude, its distinguished orchestra English National Ballet Philharmonic, and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice and delivery, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet has gained new acclaim as it introduces innovative new works to the Company’s repertoire while continuing to honour and reinvigorate traditional ballet. About English National Ballet School English National Ballet School is a world-renowned specialist training centre for aspiring and highly talented young ballet dancers aged 16 to 19. Founded in 1988 by English National Ballet, today the school exists as a separate entity but maintains strong links with its parent company, sharing its commitment to excellence and access. Its mission is to nurture and develop the next generation of world-class dance artists; artists who are confident and versatile, able to push boundaries and bring their creativity to the fore. Students participate in a three-year programme, validated by Trinity College London, with graduates joining prestigious dance companies worldwide. Currently a third of the dancers at English National Ballet are graduates of the School. The School also offer weekly children’s ballet classes, ENBS Juniors, for 3–10-year olds. About NatWest, Principal Partner of English National Ballet NatWest serves customers in England and Wales, supporting them with their personal, private, and business banking needs. NatWest helps customers at all stages in their lives, from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement. Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support. About the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund The Good Growth Fund is the Mayor of London’s biggest regeneration fund and is delivered through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP). It was launched in June 2017 and provides capital funding from sources including the Local Growth Fund and European Social Fund, as well as expert regeneration advice, design support and knowledge sharing opportunities. For more information, see: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/regeneration/funding-opportunities/good-growth-fund-supporting-regeneration-london About the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) The London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) is the local enterprise partnership for London. The LEAP brings entrepreneurs and business together with the Mayoralty and London Councils to identify strategic actions to support and lead economic growth and job creation in the capital. For more information, see: https://lep.london/

Reactions and thoughts? My must-sees at first glance are Death in Venice, Fidelio (at last, Kaufmann in German at the ROH - and with Davidsen!), Jenufa (for Mattila), and Elektra (Stemme AND Mattila, what a treat) and Netrebko in Tosca with Terfel’s Scarpia. I’m more ambivalent about Don Carlo for casting reasons; and I’m actively cross about the continuing neglect meted out to La Traviata by the casting department. Also: unless I’ve missed something there’s no Calleja or Oropesa again ;(

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET ANNOUNCES 2019/20 SEASON 10 productions, 11 venues, 127 performances, including first time collaborations with Ballet Black and newly appointed Director Carlos Acosta. It’s a season that’s bursting with brilliance! Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2019/20 season marks an exciting period of transformation. For the first time in the company’s history, the season has been created in partnership with leaders from across the world of dance, including Ballet Black and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s newly appointed Director Carlos Acosta CBE, who bring fresh perspectives to the programme, and herald a new era and a bright future ahead. The 2019/20 season marks the transition between David Bintley’s Directorship and Carlos Acosta’s first season, which will be in 2020/21, and creates opportunities for the Company to experiment with new partnerships to grow and inspire audiences, as well as presenting some of its best loved classics including works by Director Laureate Sir Peter Wright. The first full-length production in the 2019/20 season is David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s exquisite production of Giselle (25 Sep – 2 Nov), swiftly followed by the welcome return of Sir Peter Wright’s stunning Swan Lake (29 Jan – 4 Apr). The end of the season marks a new beginning, as new Director Carlos Acosta is welcomed by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s inaugural performances of his ravishing comedy Don Quixote (19 - 27 Jun), which receives its first UK performances outside London. Carlos will also curate an energising and celebratory festival at Birmingham Hippodrome and Sadler’s Wells, London in June 2020. TWO BALLET NOW WORLD PREMIERES The 2019/20 season features two world premieres in the Ballet Now talent development programme. The first, by Queensland Ballet’s Jack Lister, appears alongside Cathy Marston’s critically-acclaimed The Suit(performed by Ballet Black) and Twyla Tharp’s sizzling tribute to ‘Old Blue Eyes’, Nine Sinatra Songs. This exciting mixed programme is performed in Birmingham and London (19 Sep - 30 Oct). Jack Lister said: “I’m really looking forward to working with BRB’s incredibly talented dancers and alongside such highly respected choreographers. To be given this platform for my first international commission and to collaborate with such a truly gifted creative team is a dream come true." Artistic Director & Founder of Ballet Black Cassa Pancho MBE said: “I'm thrilled that Ballet Black will be joining Birmingham Royal Ballet for their mixed programme in autumn 2019. It's a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with one of the most established British ballet companies, and for our own brilliant dancers to work alongside the world-class talent at BRB." The season’s second world premiere, choreographed by Daniela Cardim, is part of a mixed programme curated by incoming Director Carlos Acosta as part of his soon-to-be revealed festival. This bill is completed by George Balanchine’s exuberant Theme and Variations and Goyo Montero’s Chacona. Created for Uruguayan company National Ballet Sobre in 2017, Chacona is a thrilling, physical piece set to violin, guitar and piano which receives its UK premiere in this programme. This mixed programme is presented at Sadler’s Wells, London (11 – 13 Jun). Further programme announcements for the Carlos Acosta / Birmingham Royal Ballet festival will be revealed in due course. THE RETURN OF THE NUTCRACKER & EVENING OF MUSIC AND DANCE Sir Peter Wright’s acclaimed production of The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for the festive season (22 Nov – 14 Dec), transporting the audience beyond the theatre to a realm of giant Christmas trees and dancing snowflakes. The acclaimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia takes centre stage once more for a spectacular Evening of Music and Dance (14 & 15 Feb) in Birmingham and Northampton. This popular annual gala includes well-loved gems and hidden classics selected by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conductors alongside danced excerpts from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s repertory. FOR FAMILIES Birmingham Royal Ballet will once again be embarking on a spring tour (May 2020) to regional venues with a programme of work specially designed for families. Its mid-scale tour makes ballet even more accessible for younger audiences, whilst still delighting and entertaining adults. Further details to be announced. YOUNG AUDIENCES Younger audience members can enjoy Birmingham Royal Ballet’s First Steps programme. These hour-long, interactive shows are adapted for children aged 3+. A storyteller captures their imagination, introducing the music, leading characters and some of the technical magic – the perfect introduction to ballet. Alongside the main programme, Birmingham Royal Ballet continues to introduce new audiences from touring venues across the country to their world-class dance and music. From primary schools to care homes, community centres to museums, the Company unlocks amazing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION Following the success of Cinderella Dreams in 2017 and Sleeping Beauty Dreams in 2018 at Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Royal Ballet will embark on Swan Lake Dreams; an ambitious engagement and participation project which will be performed on the main stage at Birmingham Hippodrome (23 February 2020), as well as at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (2 February 2020) and Theatre Royal in Plymouth (31 March 2020). A cast of approximately 70 selected students from each of the three areas will be given the opportunity to train, rehearse and perform in a full-length ballet alongside Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers. Open to ballet students aged 9+, the Swan Lake Dreams project gives insight into the Company workings whilst aiming to develop talent and raise aspirations for dancers of all ages. Auditions will take place between July and October 2019 with intensive and weekly rehearsals from July through to the performances in 2020. The Company will partner with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, whose orchestra will accompany the Swan Lake Dreams Birmingham performance, conducted by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s principal conductor Paul Murphy. Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire said: “I am delighted that the Conservatoire will partner with Birmingham Royal Ballet on their ground-breaking project Swan Lake Dreams. This is yet another example of the Conservatoire’s commitment to creating unique opportunities for our students to collaborate with world-class partners around the region and beyond. To alleviate barriers to participation, Birmingham Royal Ballet launched its Dreams Bursary Fund in 2018 which supports talented young dancers aged 8 -18 to fulfil their potential - whatever their background. This carefully targeted resource provides talented children with financial support to take part in any Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer development or Birmingham Royal Ballet Dreams opportunity, giving them the best possible chance to let their talent flourish and grow. The Dreams Bursary Fund is open to donations from individuals, organisations and other fund-giving organisations. Held exclusively to support access to ballet participation, a number of bursaries are considered every year and can include, but are not limited to, support for attendance, transport, accommodation and dancewear. Dance Track, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s talent identification and training programme, is now in its 22nd year, working with 50 primary schools across Birmingham. Each year the Dance Track team engages with in excess of 2,500 children age 5 and 6. The programme offers free weekly classes and uniforms plus opportunities to see Birmingham Royal Ballet in rehearsal and performance. 80 children showing particular aptitude and enjoyment in their dance classes are invited back for a further year of training, where they are prepared for auditions at Elmhurst Ballet School and The Royal Ballet School associate schemes. 135 children from north, south and central Birmingham currently attend weekly classes and 32 children attend Dance Track Plus classes. Many of the children have performed in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s productions in Birmingham and at the Royal Albert Hall, London. In the last 15 years, 17 children have been accepted into full-time vocational schools around the country. Dance Track would not be possible without generous donations from multiple trusts, foundations and individual donors and this pioneering programme continues throughout the 2019/20 season. Established in 2002, Freefall Dance Company provides high-quality training and performance opportunities for talented adults with severe learning difficulties, challenging stereotypical views of both dance and people with learning disabilities. The Company meets weekly at Birmingham Royal Ballet studios to hone their ballet technique, prepare for performances and develop leadership and facilitation skills for their own education and outreach projects. Each year, Freefall showcases its work through performances as well as at international dance-for–screen festivals with ground-breaking performance films. Freefall’s initial film in 2012, Freefall, reached an estimated 1.5million people on live-site screens across the country. Its second film One Fine Day followed in 2014 with the film being shown at over ten festivals across Europe and North America. The third film We Are Here premiered in 2017 and incorporated BRB’s principal dancers Iain Mackay and Jenna Roberts. In the 2019/20 season, Freefall Dance Company will collaborate with current Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet David Bintley and award-winning film director Ross MacGibbon on a new landmark dance-for-screen project. Further details to be announced. Mixed Programme New Lister | The Suit | Nine Sinatra Songs September – October 2019 New Lister – a co-production with the Queensland Ballet Choreographer: Jack Lister Composer: Tom Harrold Designer: Thomas Mika Lighting: Alex Berlage The Suit Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Philip Feeney Designs: Jane Heather Lighting: David Plater Dramaturgy: Edward Kemp Nine Sinatra Songs Choreography: Twyla Tharp Songs sung by: Frank Sinatra Scenic Design originally by: Santo Loquasto Original costumes by: Oscar de la Renta Lighting originally by: Jennifer Tipton Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 September Sadler’s Wells, London Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN; 020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com Tuesday 29 – Wednesday 30 October Giselle September – October 2019 Choreography: Marius Petipa, Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, David Bintley Music: Adolphe Adam Production: David Bintley, Galina Samsova Designs: Hayden Griffin Lighting: Mark Jonathan Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 September Theatre Royal Plymouth Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR; 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 October Sadler’s Wells, London Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN; 020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com Friday 1 – Saturday 2 November Peter and the Wolf October 2019 Choreography: Ruth Brill Music: Sergei Prokofiev Designs: Spike Kilburn Lighting: Peter Teigen Theatre Royal Plymouth Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR; 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com Saturday 26 October Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker November – December 2019 Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Vincent Redmond Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Production: Peter Wright Designs: John F. MacFarlane Lighting: David A. Finn Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Friday 22 November – Saturday 14 December On sale now Swan Lake January – May 2020 Choreography: Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, Marius Petipa Music: Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Production: Peter Wright, Galina Samsova Designs: Philip Prowse Lighting: Peter Teigen Mayflower Theatre, Southampton 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton, SO15 1GE; 023 8071 1811 mayflower.org.uk Wednesday 29 January – Saturday 1 February On sale 30 January 2019 Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Wednesday 19 February – Saturday 29 February The Lowry, Salford Lowry Outlet, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ; 0843 208 6000 thelowry.com Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 March Sunderland Empire High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX; 0844 871 7627 atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 March Theatre Royal Plymouth Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR; 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com Wednesday 1 – Saturday 4 April An Evening of Music & Dance February 2020 Symphony Hall, Birmingham Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA; 0121 780 3333 thsh.co.uk Friday 14 February, 7.30pm Royal & Derngate, Northampton 19-21 Guildhall Rd, Northampton NN1 1DP; 01604 624811 royalandderngate.co.uk Saturday 15 February, 7.30pm Mixed Programme Theme and Variations | Chacona | New Cardim June 2020 Theme and Variations Choreography: George Balanchine Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Designs: Peter Farmer Lighting: Peter Teigen Chacona Choreography: Goyo Montero Music: Johann Sebastian Bach Costume design: Verena Hemmerlein New Cardim Choreographer: Daniela Cardim Composer: Paul Englishby Designer: April Dalton Lighting: Peter Teigen Sadler’s Wells, London Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN; 020 7863 8000 sadlerswells.com Thursday 11 – Saturday 13 June Don Quixote as part of the Carlos Acosta Festival June 2019 Choreography: Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa Music: Ludvig Minkus Arranged and orchestrated by: Martin Yates Production: Carlos Acosta Designs: Tim Hatley Lighting: Hugh Vanstone Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB; 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Friday 19 – Saturday 27 June NOTES TO EDITORS: Birmingham Royal Ballet Based at Birmingham Hippodrome since 1990, Birmingham Royal Ballet is the United Kingdom’s leading classical ballet touring company performing a range of traditional, classical and heritage ballets as well as ground-breaking new works with the aim of encouraging choreographers of the future. The company’s Director is the award-winning David Bintley, CBE and Music Director is Koen Kessels. Birmingham Royal Ballet performs at Birmingham Hippodrome for approximately ten weeks of the year and the remainder of the year tours throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia is Britain's busiest ballet orchestra, playing for Birmingham Royal Ballet's wide-ranging programme in the UK and abroad. The Sinfonia also plays frequently for The Royal Ballet and many of the world's other leading ballet companies, including regular performances with; The Royal Ballet, Paris Opéra Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Kirov, Norwegian Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and La Scala Ballet.

As 2019 has just got underway and next seasons programme is due to be announced in three or four months perhaps now may be a good time to discuss what we'd like to see in Kevin O'Hares announcement. You never know, there may be a gap in his schedule that may benefit from a few suggestions. My main wish list is very brief and consists of Onegin, Onegin and Onegin! Not just because Onegin is one of my favourite ballets but of the horrible prospect of possibly losing it from the RB rep. If it isn't performed then as it hasn't been performed for several years. I keep thinking of all the potential new Onegins and Tatianas there are currently in the RB (not to mention Olgas and Lenskys) and imagine whom I'd like to see. It's a very long list! After Onegin I'd like to see more Ashton and possibly see the reinstatement of the Ashton double/triple bill. Also Sylvia filmed for the cinema with Vadim (and preferably Naghdi) as it should have been last time. This would also boost what seems to be the rather paltry, half hearted Fonteyn celebrations. Also If more obscure Ashton could be revived that would be a real bonus as there is a very real danger of losing more obscure works as time goes by. I sometimes feel our founder choreographer isn't appreciated by current management in his old company as much as he should be. Finally, though I have been concentrating on the Royal Ballet company as they are the company I see the most of and have the largest rep. and the most opportunity for choice there is no reason to limit the wish list to one particular company or indeed, country. Nothing to stop it being an international wish list.

20 sept Opening gala 23 sept - 15 oct: Hiroshi Sugimoto/Alessio Silvestrin : At the Hawk's Well; Forsythe Blake Works 26oct - 17 nov: New Crystal Pite (60 segments in 60 minutes) 3-31 Dec: Raymonda 9-31 Dec: Le Parc (Preljocaj) 31 Jan - 15 feb: Giselle 3 - 22 feb: Concerto Barocco, 4 Temperaments. Serenade 25-30 March: POB School Coppelia (Lacotte) 14 april - 8 May: New Alan Lucien Oyen 12-30 May Mayerling 4-7 JUne Nederlands Dans Theater 26 June - 14 July Play (Ekman)