The collaboration will present the ballet The Rite of Spring, re-worked, from February 2019. In 1913, the premiere proved to be hugely controversial, to the point of a near-riot of protest by an angry Parisian audience, shocked by what was seen as dissonant music.
It is also a UK choreography debut for Jeanguy Saintus, who said that he is thrilled at the prospect, and grateful to have been chosen to do the re-work.
UPDATE: It’s now January 2019 and Phoenix Dance Theatre is in rehearsal:
Sharon Watson, Artistic Director, Phoenix Dance Theatre: “By presenting our diversity and brand-new contemporary choreography alongside the thoroughly modern and complex score performed by Opera North’s orchestra, we are becoming a part of the colourful history of this piece over 100 years after it was first performed.”
Phoenix’s ensemble will perform the new choreography, and the Orchestra of Opera North, led by conductor Garry Walker, will play the score in a double-bill with Puccini’s short comic opera Gianni Schicchi.
“Opera North has long sought to programme a new version of The Rite of Spring,” says Opera North’s General Director, Richard Mantle. “We are delighted that Jeanguy SAINTUS will be choreographing this new version of one of the most significant pieces of dance music of the 20th century, and we are equally excited to collaborate with the exceptional ensemble of Phoenix Dance Theatre for the first time for this visceral, gripping work.
Opera North has a long history of experimental programming, constantly seeking to reinvigorate the classical art forms and deliver exceptional experiences to audiences across the country. We believe this is the first time The Rite of Spring has been paired with Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, and it will take pride of place in our history, alongside previous opera and dance mixed-bills.”
The Rite of Spring opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Saturday 16th February 2019, in a double-bill with Puccini’s short comic opera Gianni Schicchi.
The Rite of Spring/Gianni Schicchi Double Bill is at
Leeds Grand Theatre
Saturday 16 February, Saturday 23 February, Thursday 28 February and Saturday 2 March at 7.30pm
Box Office: 0844 848 2720
The Lowry, Salford Quays Friday 8 March 2019 at 7.30pm
www.thelowry.com
Box Office: 0843 208 6000
Theatre Royal Newcastle, Saturday 16 March 2019 at 7.30pm
www.theatreroyal.co.uk
Box Office: 08448 112 121
Nottingham Theatre Royal, Friday 22 March 2019 at 7.30pm
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
