Jan McNulty Posted January 25, 2016 Share Posted January 25, 2016 Askonas Holt and Raymond Gubbay Ltd present The Australian Ballet at London Coliseum in 2016 Graeme Murphy’s SWAN LAKE 13 – 16 July 2016 Alexei Ratmansky’s CINDERELLA 20 – 23 July 2016 London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4ES // Tickets: 020 7845 9300 // www.eno.org Presented by Askonas Holt and Raymond Gubbay Ltd and under the artistic helm of David McAllister, The Australian Ballet, Asia Pacific’s preeminent ballet company, makes a welcome return to the UK to perform Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake and Alexei Ratmansky’s Cinderella at the London Coliseum in July 2016. Last seen in the UK in 2008, and following triumphant sell-out performances around the world, The Australian Ballet brings two of its most-loved full productions to the Coliseum’s West End stage in what promises to be a spectacular two-week season of ballet for the entire family. David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, said: “As a dancer I still remember my first time performing in London. It’s a city that has seen all of the best ballet companies from across the globe. Our ties go back generations and bringing the Company back to the birthplace of our founding Artistic Director, Peggy Van Praagh, is always a thrill. Both productions have become signature works for the company. Both encompass our motto of caring for tradition but also daring to be different. In each work the dancers have not only embraced the choreographic challenges, but through many seasons have developed multi layered characters which drive the storytelling in both ballets.” Kicking off the London visit from 13 – 16 July, and breathing new life into the timeless romance of Odette and Prince Siegfried, Graeme Murphy’s critically-acclaimed Swan Lake sees the traditional tale of the world’s greatest ballet unfolding with a contemporary twist. Murphy’s Swan Lake, produced to mark the company’s 40th anniversary in 2002, follows the fortunes of Odette who is betrothed to Prince Siegfried, but she is deeply apprehensive about his relationship with Baroness von Rothbart. It’s not until after the wedding that the true nature of Siegfried and the Baroness’ relationship becomes clear, causing Odette such distress that by royal command she is committed to a sanatorium. There she finds comfort and escape amongst serene white swans in a frozen dream world. Critics worldwide have picked up on more than a hint of another world-famous royal triangle, finding several parallels in this Swan Lake adaptation of love and betrayal. Kristian Fredrikson’s inspired set and costume designs frame Murphy’s choreography danced to Tchaikovsky’s immortal score. The Australian Ballet won the UK’s Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Foreign Dance Company following its Swan Lake performances in the UK in 2005; it is a much-lauded production not to be missed. With an ever-developing repertoire, The Australian Ballet is recognised as a major creative force, producing remarkable new versions of the classics and inviting the finest contemporary choreographers to produce exciting new works. Alexei Ratmansky is one of the world’s most sought-after dance makers and his production of Cinderella for The Australian Ballet will bring the Coliseum stage to life from 20 – 23 July. This London season marks the first time The Australian Ballet has performed the acclaimed choreographer’s Cinderella in Europe. Commissioned by McAllister in 2013, Ratmansky created the new Cinderella for The Australian Ballet and its world premiere season sold out across the continent. This Cinderella is brilliantly re-imagined, with Ratmansky unleashing his considerable narrative talents on a sublime story to Prokofiev’s divinely romantic score, taking audiences on a journey to 20th-century Russia and into an abandoned theatre where this unconventional fairy-tale unfolds. Cinderella works away while her tempestuous Stepmother and Stepsisters prepare for the Royal Ball. As she dreams of dancing with the Prince, an eccentrically disguised Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella’s rags into a magnificent ball gown – forget the pumpkin and the mice; planets, moons and stars accompany this Cinderella to the Ball. Captivated from the moment Cinderella enters the room, the Prince only has eyes for his mysterious muse. A tick of the clock and one lost slipper later, the handsome Prince must embark on a world-wide journey to find his lost love, visiting many lands teeming with temptations before he is reunited with her. This beautifully entertaining story for all ages has been captivating critics and astounding audiences at home in Australia and during its first international viewing in China in 2015. On working with the dancers of The Australian Ballet to create Cinderella, Ratmansky said: “There is definitely something Australian about the way they dance. Really strong. The dancers are alive. At the same time they’re precise, well placed, musical. There’s something sunny about them.” Ratmansky teamed up with award-winning French designer Jérôme Kaplan to realise his spectacular vision for Cinderella. The duo has previously worked together on Dutch National Ballet’s Don Quixote and the world premiere of Lost Illusions at Bolshoi; the latter won Kaplan a Golden Mask Award for Best Costume Design. The Orchestra of English National Opera will accompany The Australian Ballet during its performances of Swan Lake and Cinderella at London Coliseum in 2016. -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Australian Ballet at London Coliseum in July 2016 – listings information: Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 July SWAN LAKE (press night is Wednesday 13 July) Evenings at 7.30pm // Matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2pm Tickets: £15 - £75 (£90 premium) Groups: Discounts for 10+, contact the box office for details Family ticket: Save 20% on selected prices LONDON COLISEUM: 020 7845 9300 // www.eno.org Choreography Graeme Murphy Creative Associate Janet Vernon Music Piotr Ilych Tchaikovsky Set and Costume Design Kristian Fredrikson Original Lighting Damien Cooper With the Orchestra of English National Opera Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 July CINDERELLA (press night is Wednesday 20 July) Evenings at 7.30pm // Matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2pm Tickets: £15 - £75 (£90 premium) Groups: Discounts for 10+, contact the box office for details Family ticket: Save 20% on selected prices LONDON COLISEUM: 020 7845 9300 // www.eno.org Choreography Alexei Ratmansky Music Sergei Prokofiev Set and Costume Design Jerome Kaplan Lighting Design Rachel Burke Projection Design Wendell K. Harrington With the Orchestra of English National Opera Founded in 1962, The Australian Ballet, under the artistic helm of David McAllister, is one of the world’s leading ballet companies delivering extraordinary performances for over 50 year A commitment to artistic excellence, a spirited style and a willingness to take risks have defined the company from its earliest days, both on and offstage Exists to inspire, delight and challenge audiences through the power and quality of its performances In addition to 79 acclaimed dancers, The Australian Ballet employs leaders in injury prevention, dance education, master craftspeople and maintains an orchestra of 62 musicians from Orchestra Victoria (Orchestra of English National Opera will accompany the London performances) Presents upwards of 250 shows and audience engagement events each year Tours regularly overseas and has performed to critical acclaim around the world to cities including New York, Tokyo, London, Paris and Beijing Moving effortlessly between the great classical ballets and new contemporary commissions, the company has a unique Australian style, powered by artistry and athleticism ‘The Australian Ballet. Caring for tradition, daring to be different’ https://www.australianballet.com.au/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird Posted April 20, 2016 Share Posted April 20, 2016 (edited) Just noticed that casting has been announced for the Australian Ballet performances at the London Coliseum in July: SWAN LAKE: LONDON Wednesday 13 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Amber ScottPrince Siegfried: Adam BullBaroness: Dimity Azoury Thursday 14 July, 2pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Lana JonesPrince Siegfried: Rudy HawkesBaroness: Amy Harris Thursday 14 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Leanne StojmenovPrince Siegfried: Kevin JacksonBaroness: Ako Kondo Friday 15 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Amber ScottPrince Siegfried: Adam BullBaroness: Dimity Azoury Saturday 16 July, 2pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Leanne StojmenovPrince Siegfried: Kevin JacksonBaroness: Ako Kondo Saturday 16 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Odette: Lana JonesPrince Siegfried: Rudy HawkesBaroness: Amy Harris CINDERELLA: LONDON Wednesday 20 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Leanne StojmenovPrince: Kevin Jackson Thursday 21 July, 2pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Ako KondoPrince: Chengwu Guo Thursday 21 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Amber ScottPrince: Ty King-Wall Friday 22 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Lana JonesPrince: Adam Bull Saturday 23 July, 2pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Leanne StojmenovPrince: Kevin Jackson Saturday 23 July, 7.30pm Conductor: Nicolette Fraillon Cinderella: Ako KondoPrince: Chengwu Guo https://australianballet.com.au/swan-lake-london-casting https://australianballet.com.au/cinderella-london-casting Edited April 20, 2016 by Bluebird 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share Posted June 30, 2016 The latest Press Release: Stars of The Australian Ballet begin preparations on two signature works for the upcoming tour to London This week The Australian Ballet commences rehearsals for its upcoming tour to London, where it will perform at the Coliseum, the West End's largest theatre, over a two-week season, from 13 to 23 July 2016. Tail feathers are being shaken and glass slippers dusted off as the company prepares two of its signature works; a return season of Graeme Murphy’s highly acclaimed Swan Lake and a first time London season of Alexei Ratmasnky’s Cinderella. Principal Artists Amber Scott (Odette) and Adam Bull (Prince) with Soloist Dimity Azoury (Duchess) will openSwan Lake, with Rudy Hawkes, Amy Harris and Leanne Stojmenov, Kevin Jackson and Ako Kondo performing lead roles in subsequent performances. Principal Artists Leanne Stojmenov (Cinderella) and Kevin Jackson (Prince) will open Cinderella, followed by Amber Scott and Ty King-Wall, and Ako Kondo and Chengwu Guo. Libby Christie, Executive Director of The Australian Ballet said, “Both productions have become acclaimed works and earned the company rave reviews from critics and audiences across Australia and abroad, so we’re very excited to be bringing them to London next month.” “International touring has been an important regular undertaking for The Australian Ballet. International tours to key cultural centres provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the company to the broader world market. Our international performances allow us to showcase the company's technical excellence, versatility and artistry and assist us to develop future collaborations and opportunities – in this case in the UK,” said Christie This tour has been made possible thanks to the company’s International Touring Fund, an endowment fund within The Australian Ballet Foundation, that provides financial resources to assist the company to regularly present The Australian Ballet on the world stage. The tour is also generously supported by the Australian Government and tour corporate partners News UK and Qantas. “Regular international touring exposes us to new audiences and provides the opportunity to be consistently benchmarked by these audiences and critics against the great ballet companies of the world,” said Christie. Earlier this year ten shipping containers left Australian shores with a cargo of two sets, over 420 costumes and 297 pairs of shoes, including 104 pointe shoes. A touring party of 114 people, including dancers, music staff, wardrobe, medical, technical and company staff, arrive into London on Sunday 10 July. As Australia’s national ballet company, The Australian Ballet has had a long history of international touring, and has visited 37 countries and 87 cities since it was founded in 1962. This tour marks the company’s 25thinternational tour. SWAN LAKEWednesday 13 – Saturday 16 July Press night is Wednesday 13 JulyEvenings at 7.30pm Matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2pmTickets: £15 - £75 (£90 premium)Groups: Discounts for 10+Family ticket: Save 20% on selected pricesLONDON COLISEUM: 020 7845 9300, www.eno.orgCINDERELLA Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 JulyPress night is Wednesday 20 JulyEvenings at 7.30pmMatinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2pmTickets: £15 - £75 (£90 premium)Groups: Discounts for 10+Family ticket: Save 20% on selected pricesLONDON COLISEUM: 020 7845 9300, www.eno.org australianballet.com.au -ends- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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