26^th  – 28^th October.

NUTCRACKER, ROMEO AND JULIET and SWAN LAKE.

Directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Theatre Dancer, Konstantin Uralsky.

With an impressive cast and accompanied by a live orchestra with over 30 musicians

Their annual Ballet Tour in the UK is always a joy to behold and highly anticipated.

From the rich and ancient culture of Astrakhan on the banks of the Volga River, the renowned and highly acclaimed Russian State Ballet and Opera House returns with threee new vibrant, stunning and enchanting ballet productions which will captivate and delight the whole family.

These new productions are directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Theatre dancer, Konstantin Uralsky, who has been creating ballets for more than twenty years. Now, as the company’s artistic director, he will bring his unique style and talent to the performances.

The Nutcracker – an eternal seasonal favourite.  26^th October

The Nutcracker became one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions, and perhaps the most popular ballet in the world. There are no scores more successful in supporting the full range of ballet than those by Tchaikovsky.

The romance and verve with which he infused classical dancing makes his scores unsurpassed to his day. They are masterpieces, not only in terms of music but also of theatre.

The Christmas story is based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King written by E.T.A. Hoffmann. It tells the story of Marie, a rather sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve which turns into a prince, and the magic begins …

A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as The Spanish Dance, The Arabian Dance, The Russian Dance, The Chinese Dance, The Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House has ensured that this classical ballet remains just as spell-binding today as it was when it was performed 120 years ago.

An enchanting feast for the eyes, and an ideal introduction to the magic and romance that is classical ballet.

It is an opportunity for ballet lovers to see The Nutcracker performed by an established and long standing Russian theatre that has won many awards and is considered to be one of the best in Russia, and be transported into a world of magic.

This timeless classic tale continues to capture the imagination and inspire both young and old. You are sure to find this production irresistible.

Romeo and Juliet  by S. Prokofiev  27^th October

Join us for an unforgettable journey as Russian State Ballet and Opera House return to the Everyman Theatre with Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo and Juliet is the world’s best known love story. William Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet was one of the first works of literature to inspire ballet choreographers, so perfectly suited to dance are its drama, romance and tragedy.

Set to one of Prokofiev’s most evocative scores, this production is filled with beautiful dance, riveting battles and compelling drama, all amidst stunning production designs.

Two innocent youths meet by chance, relishing the discovery and passion of first love only to be shattered by tragic twists of fate and the destructive hatred of their feuding families.

Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most beloved ballets, capturing the imagination of many generations over the years. It continues to attract audiences worldwide, who love its mystery and romance.

Swan Lake – the greatest of all romantic ballets.  28^th October

Another Tchaikovsky favourite featuring some of ballet’s most memorable music, Swan Lake is an all-time Russian classic, overflowing with evocative orchestrations and breath-taking dance.

There are no scores more successful in supporting the full range of ballet than those by Tchaikovsky. The romance and verve with which Tchaikovsky infused classical dancing makes his scores unsurpassed to this day. They are masterpieces, not only in terms of music but also of theatre.

The familiar story tells of a princess who is turned into a swan by an evil curse. The spectacular choreography allows the company’s dancers to demonstrate their brilliant skills to full effect.

Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under?

Highlights of the ballet include the charming Dance of the Little Swans performed on the shores of a moonlit lake as well as sweeping ballroom waltzes set in the splendour of the Royal Palace.

The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina’s powers, particularly in the two great Pas de Deux.

Swan Lake is full of mystery and romance and has captured the imagination of generations over the years. It continues to attract worldwide audiences, young and old.

Our production offers an opportunity for ballet lovers to see Swan Lake performed by an established and renowned theatre company that has won many awards and is considered to be one of the best in Russia. Audiences will be transported into a world of magic

 

QUOTES:

‘By far the best company to bring Russian opera and ballet to British audiences- Stage Talk Magazine

‘An enchanting feast for the eyes – full of festive spirit’ – Etc Magazine

Producer Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said:  “It’s fantastic to bring such a talented and inspiring Russian ballet company to the UK to offer local audiences the opportunity to experience world class ballet performances.  We want to make ballet much more accessible and with such a renowned Bolshoi star as Konstantin Uralsky, as director, audiences know that these performances promise to be both stunning and magical.”

The Russian State Ballet & Opera House has been presenting ballets and operas to huge audiences, worldwide, for over 14 years.  Amande Concerts Ltd will be bringing to the UK some 250 performers from the Company as part of their 2015 tours.  Every year, Amande Concerts Ltd works with directors and leaders from established theatres in the Russian Federation who have graduated from the best artistic institutions in Russia and the former Soviet Union, to bring world class ballet and opera to the UK.

“We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our opera and ballet audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of various classic pieces.

Ballet is often thought to be “difficult” and elitist, but this is not so. Both forms are timeless and, like any art, they need to be presented in an accessible and attractive way to the audience. This is why we feel it is so important to present our productions in a classical, traditional style that is familiar to all.

More recently opera and ballet have been able to take advantage of the high-tech revolutions in home entertainment and television. However, live performances are often restricted to theatres in London or big cities. Some are broadcast live to a cinema, but we are passionate about bringing opera and ballet to audience in smaller, regional theatres. We aim to bring top quality opera and classical ballet within reach of everyone, no matter where they live.

With extensive national tours that get our productions seen the length and breadth of the country, we are able to offer regional audiences in smaller venues an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the price charged by major theatres, all without sacrificing quality. So, it is very close to my heart to continue working with provincial theatres to deliver top quality productions every year and make new converts wherever we go.

No experience is needed to enjoy these classics. Our sets and costume designs, as well as the informative programmes make the productions very accessible and most of all, enjoyable.

Every year I see a trend of more and more people coming to see an opera or ballet for the first time. They all come up to us and tell us they are really grateful for us bringing and, more importantly, introducing, opera or ballet to them. I always say that opera or ballet is not for everyone; however, everyone should have the opportunity to see an opera or a ballet once in their lifetime for a chance to make up their own mind.”