Klassisk mesteraften:
Swan Lake Act 2,
Raymonda Suite,
New Work
Natalia Makarova / Photo: Dina Makaroff
For first timers and ballet lovers alike
The essence of classical ballet meets new dance with the Norwegian National Ballet on stage.
Beneath the surface of the story
Swan Lake and Raymonda are among the greatest masterpieces in ballet history. In this full-length production, part of these classics and duets from the classical repertoire will be danced – together with a new ballet.
Makarova’s Swan Lake
Dazzling white and beautiful best describe the second act of the most classical of all classical ballets: Swan Lake, choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music. The version to be performed was created by the legendary dancer Natalia Makarova based on Petipa’s and Ivanov's original choreography from 1895. Her reconstructions of classical ballets reflect Makarova’s unique elegance and raise the stories to a new level.
Natalia Makarova / Photo: Dorofeeva
Petipa’s major hit
Marius Petipa has treated us to many of the classical ballets. His Raymonda became an audience favourite after premiering in 1898, and includes parts considered to be choreographic masterpieces. Now, Norwegian National Ballet soloist Xander Parish stages a suite from the ballet, where we get to take part in the celebration of the wedding between the countess Raymonda and her beloved knight Jean de Brienne.
Famous duets
You will also experience several duets from the classical repertoire. The duet with the black swan from Makarova's Swan Lake holds a special position, being an iconic moment from the ballet that has been defining for the art form.
Shakespeare's love story of Romeo and Juliet has been interpreted by a handful of great choreographers. Now it's Kaloyan Boyadjiev's turn to take hold of the balcony scene where the couple in love meet for the first time – set to Prokofiev's iconic ballet music. Boyadjiev is the choreographer behind the National Ballet's version of The Nutcracker and knows how to bring new magic to the classical idiom.
Modern ballet
Samantha Lynch debuted as a choreographer for the Main Stage with A Boléro in 2020. Several leading ballet companies have since commissioned work by this National Ballet soloist. Lynch has created the duet COUCH – set to music by Bizet – for this night of dance with the very best of contemporary ballet.
The evening also feautures the outstanding Black Swan pas de deux from Makarova's Swan Lake.
Read more!Full praise goes to the Orchestra, under the conductor Vello Pähn, who made the music – especially Raymonda – sound glorious.
Bachtrack, Jonathan Gray