DOUBLE DELIGHT
THE Russian State Ballet and Opera House is coming to the UK, and perform in Llandudno later this month. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large live orchestra with over 30 musicians, the company present Swan Lake on November 29, followed by The Nutcracker on November 30 at Venue Cymru.
Both are directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky.
Swan Lake is a compelling legend of tragic romance, a story woven around two girls. Odette, the White Swan princess turned into a swan by an evil curse, and Odile (the Black Swan). The two girls greatly resemble each other and so can easily be mistaken for the other.
Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette (a swan by day but a young lady at night) but will his love prove strong enough to save her?
It is arguably one of the most loved and challenging ballets, not least thanks to Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable and timeless score, but also the great Pas de Deux, Pas de Quatre and iconic Dance des Petits Cygnes (Dance of Little Swans).
From the impressive splendour of the palace ballroom to the moonlit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, Swan Lake is the perfect romantic ballet of all time.
It captures, like no other, the full range of human emotions – from hope to despair, terror to tenderness, and melancholy to ecstasy.
The Nutcracker is a beloved Christmas classic that continues to capture the hearts and imagination of generations of theatre-goers.
It is a truly captivating piece of theatre, a wonderful introduction to ballet for anyone who has never experienced it and still so special to anyone who has.
Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King written by ETA Hoffmann, it tells the story of Marie, a sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve, which magically turns into a prince.
Snow flurries, sweets, princes, magic, love, victories and defeats, and Tchaikovsky’s rousing score, are just some of the ingredients that will be brought together by this renowned Russian State Ballet.
A highly accessible ballet, full of familiar music such as the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - a piece for a ballerina set to music written for the unique and almost eerie sounding instrument called celesta.
The Nutcracker is the ultimate and beautiful fairytale where goodness and beauty triumph.
The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is a gem for the Russian cultural traditions, bringing the passion and vibrancy of Russian character to these well-known ballets. They have built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality that never fail to delight audiences.
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker both start at 7.30pm. Tickets prices range from £20 to £33. Book for both ballets and receive £6 off a ticket. (All ticket purchases are subject to a £3 administration fee per order).