Get documents about "2009–10 Birmingham Season
Document Sample
2009–10
Birmingham
Season
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Welcome...
to Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2009–10 In the 20 years since it arrived in
season brochure with details of a year of Birmingham, the Company has gone from
spectacular ballet and an insight into the strength to strength and is now rightly
special celebrations for the Company’s 20th recognised as a major international force in
year in this great City of Birmingham. the world of classical dance. During our
20th anniversary year, the Company will be
Having made Birmingham Hippodrome its
staging a number of events to celebrate its
home since 1990, Birmingham Royal Ballet
achievements and to showcase some of the
aims to provide the very best, high-quality
highlights of our repertoire. You will see in
entertainment and to ensure that its
the spring of 2010, three gala performances
programmes remain interesting and varied,
of works close to our hearts which give an
for audiences of all ages and communities.
insight into why this Company has become
We hope you will agree that in the next year
so special to its loyal audience and why the
we have achieved just that: the season
people of Birmingham have taken us to
includes a new work by Garry Stewart,
their hearts.
Director of Australian Dance Theatre, and
E = mc2, a dynamic collaboration between We hope as many of you as possible will take
David Bintley and Australian composer up our great season ticket offer, with a
Matthew Hindson, along with much-loved whopping 25% off the price of tickets (and
classics and traditional family favourites. even greater reductions for the Under-16s
Birmingham 2009–10
Calendar
Quantum Leaps
and Under-26s). In these difficult and subscription@brb.org.uk. Alternatively, Powder | E=mc2 | The Centre
uncertain times we appreciate your pop into Birmingham Hippodrome in and its Opposite
continued loyalty and support, and person where you can always be sure 23–26 September 2009
have done our best to keep prices as of a warm and friendly welcome. Cyrano
affordable as possible and to offer 30 September–3 October 2009
seats priced to appeal to all budgets. The Nutcracker
A season ticket consists of one ticket 27 November –13 December 2009
from each of the seven productions
The Sleeping Beauty
featured. Christopher Barron
3–13 March 2010
Chief Executive
Subscription booking forms are being 20 Years Celebration
posted out with this brochure. To 9 & 10 March 2010
download more copies of the form,
On Their Toes!
or further information on either the Slaughter on Tenth Avenue|
David Bintley
Company or the ballets we’re Grosse Fuge | Theme and
Director
performing in the coming year, please Variations
visit www.brb.org.uk/subscription. For 16–19 June 2010
additional copies of the brochure and Swan Lake
booking forms, contact Birmingham 23–26 June 2010
Royal Ballet on 0121 245 3500 or
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Quantum Leaps These three strongly contrasting ballets offer a
lively evening of entertainment.
Powder| E=mc2 | The
Centre and its Opposite Fluid and sensual, Stanton Welch’s Powder
brilliantly celebrates nostalgia, beauty and joy.
23–26 September Danced to Mozart’s clarinet concerto, it gives
this popular piece new life.
Wednesday 23–Saturday 26
September at 7.30pm David Bintley’s new ballet, E=mc2, promises to
Thursday 24 September at 2pm be an intriguing and exhilarating experience.
Saturday 26 September at 2.30pm Danced to a specially commissioned score by
This page and opposite: Powder; photos: Bill Cooper
Australian composer Matthew Hindson, it
Powder: Music Wolfgang Amadeus explores Einstein’s celebrated ‘Special Theory of
Mozart; Choreography Stanton Welch; Relativity’ in music and dance of breathtaking
Designs Kandis Cook; Lighting Mark energy and speed.
Jonathan; E=mc2: Music Matthew
The Centre and its Opposite is a brand-new work
Hindson; Choreography
David Bintley; Costumes Kate Ford; from contemporary choreographer Garry
Lighting Peter Mumford; The Centre Stewart, Artistic Director of Australian Dance
and its Opposite: Music Huey Theatre. This stylish and dynamic piece is set to
Benjamin; Choreography Garry a rhythmically powerful electronic soundscape
Stewart; Costumes Georg Meyer-Wiel; and presents the audience with an intense
Lighting Michael Mannion explosion of rapid-fire classical ballet fused with
hard-edged contemporary dance.
Birmingham 2009–10
On Powder… We recommend
this show because…
‘An immediate
success’ ‘I’m really looking forward to
dAiLY TELEGrAPh E=mc2 – it’s a brand-new score,
Hindson’s second symphony,
‘A startlingly and these are the world
beautiful premiere performances.’
Paul Murphy, Principal Conductor
piece… it was
as though a ‘Garry Stewart’s choreography
moment of will be an exciting contrast to
rapture was the other works.’
being recalled, Aonghus Hoole, Artist
held for a ‘Powder was one of the first
moment and ballets I danced in – I just
then lost’ love it!’
BirmiNGhAm POST
Victoria Marr, Soloist
The Centre and its Opposite was
choreographed following creative
workshops led by Garry Stewart and
involving dancers from Birmingham Royal
Ballet as part of the 2008 Birmingham
International Dance Festival
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Cyrano The beautiful Lady Roxane is in love with the
30 September–3 October dashing cadet Christian de Neuvillette, and so
enlists her cousin, the poet and soldier Cyrano
Wednesday 30 September– de Bergerac to deliver her intended a love
Saturday 3 October at 7.30pm letter. Cyrano’s an extraordinary man, blessed
Thursday 1 October at 2pm with a big heart, a big mind… but an even
Saturday 3 October at 2.30pm bigger nose.
This hilarious and heartbreaking story of one
Music Carl Davis; Choreography man’s truly self-sacrificing devotion, set in
David Bintley; Designs Hayden
17th-century France, has been made famous to
Griffin; Lighting Mark Jonathan
modern audiences through stage and film
interpretations. This production,
Supported (2007) by Birmingham
Royal Ballet’s Director’s Appeal choreographed by David Bintley for
Birmingham Royal Ballet, has a specially
commissioned score by Carl Davis.
‘Cyrano is a winner’
ThE TimES
‘Strongly recommended’
mAiL ON SuNdAY
Birmingham 2009–10
We recommend
this show because…
‘It’s a magical evocation of
words, successfully transcribed
into dance and performed with
great wit.’
This page and opposite: Cyrano; photos: Bill Cooper / Roy Smiljanic
Lili Sobieralska, Head of Wardrobe
‘The fight scenes were really
quite hair-raising, especially
the intricate sword fights and
the cannon.’
Joanne Warren, Development Officer
‘It’s the way Cyrano is
portrayed that makes the ballet
for me; he is so noble,
honourable and selfless.’
Judy Taylor, Personal Assistant
‘Cyrano’s love for Roxane is
selfless – tears poured down my
face in the final scenes when at
last she realises who actually
wrote Christian’s love letters.’
Kate Howells, Publications Manager
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Sir Peter Wright’s production of
The Nutcracker A cracking Christmas treat
It’s Christmas Eve, and preparations are underway
27 November–13 for a splendid party, taking place at the
december Stahlbaums’ house. The mysterious magician
This page and opposite: The Nutcracker; photos: Bill Cooper / Roy Smiljanic
Drosselmeyer entertains the guests and young
Friday 27–Saturday 28
Clara receives from him the gift of a beautiful
November, Tuesday 1– Saturday
wooden Nutcracker doll. She is instantly
5 december and Tuesday
enchanted.
8– Saturday 12 december at
7.30pm Later that night, Clara sneaks downstairs to find
Tuesdays 1 & 8, Thursdays 3 &10 her Nutcracker doll. As the clock strikes midnight
december at 2pm an amazing transformation takes place and
Saturdays 28 November, 5 & 12 nothing is quite as it seems. Clara and her
december at 2.30pm Nutcracker Prince must battle with King Rat and
Sundays 29 November, 6 & 13 his army. Once they have beaten him, Clara is
december at 1pm transported on a magical journey. From the Land
of Snow, to the Kingdom of Sweets, from Chinese
Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Dancers to the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara is spirited
Choreography Peter Wright, Lev away on an unforgettable adventure.
Ivanov, Vincent Redmon; Production
The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballets
Peter Wright; Designs John F.
of all time. Peter Wright’s magical production is
Macfarlane; Lighting David A. Finn
guaranteed to cast an unforgettable festive spell
over the entire family.
Birmingham 2009–10
‘ …delivers the wow-factor We recommend
year on year…’ this show because…
ThE BirmiNGhAm POST
‘The Nutcracker has become a
‘ …still the most magical, awe- real tradition in my family.’
Ruth Whelan, Finance Officer
inspiring Nutcracker around.’
ThE dAiLY TELEGrAPh
‘The transformation scene in
Act I is my favourite moment in
The Nutcracker – and it is
accompanied by the most
glorious music.’
Lee Armstrong, Publications Officer
‘The Sugar Plum Fairy –
every ballerina’s dream role –
glorious dancing to exquisite
music.’
Diana Childs, Senior Stage Manager
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
The Sleeping On her christening day Princess Aurora is cursed
by the wicked fairy Carabosse: one day the
Beauty Princess will prick her finger on a spindle and
3 –13 march die. But the kind Lilac Fairy tempers the curse so 1990–2010
the Princess will instead fall asleep for 100 years.
Wednesday 3– Saturday 6 march
& Thursday 11–Saturday 13 With a classical score by Tchaikovsky and
march at 7.30pm original choreography by Marius Petipa, The
Thursday 4 & Friday 12 march Sleeping Beauty is considered one of the greatest
at 2pm ballets from Imperial Russia. This thrilling
Saturdays 6 & 13 march at production is by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s
2.30pm former director Sir Peter Wright, creator of the
Company’s popular production of The
Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Nutcracker. With its romantic finale packed with
Choreography Marius Petipa, Peter every fairytale character imaginable, The Sleeping
Wright; Production Peter Wright; Beauty is as engaging now as when she first fell
Designs Philip Prowse; Lighting Mark asleep, over a hundred years ago.
Jonathan
Birmingham 2009–10
‘The grandest achievement, We recommend
the pinnacle of style, this show because…
amongst the great classics’
‘Sleeping Beauty is a real
SuNdAY TimES
showcase for the Company’s
‘Every fairy story Sir Peter classical technique.’
touches turns to gold’ Lei Zhao, First Soloist
This page and opposite: The Sleeping Beauty; photos: Bill Cooper
BirmiNGhAm POST
‘Another amazing score from
Tchaikovsky.’
Paul Grist, Company Manager
‘The Rose Adagio is one of the
most beautiful and
breathtaking moments in any
ballet I know.’
Gillian Ashley, Communications
Administrator
‘My heart always jumps when
Carabosse and her minions
turn up at the christening – you
can feel evil enter the stage!’
Lisa Thomas, Administrator for
Learning
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
20 Years Three performances to mark the start of the
20th anniversary celebrations of Birmingham
Celebration Royal Ballet’s arrival in the City.
9 & 10 march 1990–2010
The Company will perform excerpts from the
Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 brilliant and varied repertory of its first 20
march at 7.30pm years in Birmingham.
Wednesday 10 march at 2pm
Supported (2010) by
Birmingham 2009–10
This page and opposite (l to r): The Seasons, Daphnis and Chloë, Nine Sinatra Songs, Concerto
‘Birmingham royal Ballet Celebrating 20 years
rarely puts a foot wrong, in Birmingham…
barocco, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Four Seasons, Giselle; photos: Bill Cooper
thanks to strong creative
‘I danced in the Company’s first
leadership from david
performances as Birmingham
Bintley, who has driven
Royal Ballet, and have been
the company forward involved with almost every show
with a combination of since – 20 years of glorious rep.’
energy, wit and Michael O’Hare, Ballet Master
imagination’
‘It’s true what they say – how
mETrO
time flies when you’re enjoying
yourself. 20 years – its hard to
‘…a creative and believe! The people of the West
forward-looking Midlands have taken us to their
company. ’ hearts; we have acquired dear
BirmiNGhAm mAiL
friends and a great audience.’
Marion Tait, Ballet Mistress
‘I was born and grew up around
Birmingham and I can’t
remember a time when the
Company was not here – its
presence played a huge part in
my decision to become a dancer.’
Anniek Soobroy, Artist
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
On Their Toes! Slaughter on Tenth Avenue is a crazy tale of a high- On Slaughter on
Slaughter on Tenth kicking stripper and a happy-go-lucky hero who Tenth Avenue…
Avenue|Grosse Fuge| literally has to dance for his life. Created as part of the
world-famous Rodgers and Hart musical comedy On ‘The lively tale of 1990–2010
Theme and Variations gangsters… was
Your Toes, which follows the adventures of a young
16–19 June American hoofer who joins a famous Russian ballet handled with relish
company, its humour and vitality provide sparkling by the Birmingham
Wednesday 16–Saturday 19 entertainment. troupe’
June at 7.30pm SuNdAY TELEGrAPh
Grosse Fuge opens with four men and four women
Thursday 17 June at 2pm
dancing in separate groups, apparently disinterested in
Saturday 19 June at 2.30pm
the other. As the music becomes more and more
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue: Music
complex so does the dance and it becomes clear the
Richard Rodgers; Choreography dancers are in fact performing for each other. Finally
George Balanchine; Designs Kate Ford; they become four couples, dancing together in
Lighting Nicky Royle; Grosse Fuge: celebration.
Music Ludwig van Beethoven; Theme and Variations is a joyous ballet, with its
Choreography Hans van Manen; Sets
thrilling Tchaikovsky music, glittering silver and blue
Jean-Paul Vroom; Costumes Hans van
tutus and sumptuous décor, it has delighted all over
Manen; Lighting Jan Hofstra; Theme
and Variations: Music Pyotr Ilyich
the world. Described as ‘a compressed Sleeping
Tchaikovsky; Choreography George Beauty’, it combines the excitement and theatricality
Balanchine; Designs Peter Farmer; of the Imperial Russian ballet with grace and elegance.
Lighting John B. Read
Birmingham 2009–10
Fuge; photos: Bill Cooper
Variations, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Grosse
This page and opposite (l to r): Theme and
We recommend
this show because…
‘Theme and Variations is a
grand, Imperial Russian ballet
with all the trimmings –
Balanchine is always a
challenge to dance and this
piece is just that for everyone
involved.’
Gaylene Cummerfield, First Soloist
‘A fantastically diverse
programme musically.’
Paul Murphy, Principal Conductor
‘Grosse Fuge is a timeless gem
– music, movement and
structure in perfect harmony.’
Patricia Tierney, Dance Notator
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Swan Lake With its exquisite ensembles, lyrical pas de deux
23 –26 June and bravura solos, set to one of the world’s most
achingly beautiful musical scores, it’s essential
Wednesday 23–Saturday 26 you secure your seats early for what is 1990–2010
June at 7.30pm undoubtedly the most famous ballet of all time.
Thursday 24 June at 2pm
Saturday 26 June at 2.30pm This production has thrilled audiences around
the world, breathing new life into the
Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; choreography of the two great creators of
Choreography Lev Ivanov, Marius Russian ballet, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Set
Petipa, Peter Wright; Production against Philip Prowse’s glittering black and gold
Peter Wright and Galina Samsova; scenery, it perfectly captures the oppressive
Designs Philip Prowse; Lighting Peter melancholy world of the court, and the sinister
Teigen mysteries of the enchanted forest and the
moonlit lake. This timeless story of good, evil
and the all-conquering power of love enchants
the eyes, ears and heart.
Birmingham 2009–10
‘The most satisfying We recommend
British production of this show because…
Swan Lake’ ‘Swan Lake is great to dance –
ThE TimES
you can really explore the
character of the prince, make
‘an unqualified triumph’ him truly three-dimensional.’
ThE FiNANCiAL TimES Matthew Lawrence, Principal
‘32 fouettés – still a heart-
stopping moment of sheer
This page and opposite: Swan Lake; photos: Bill Cooper
brilliance.’
Johnny Westall-Eyre, Head of Lighting
‘It’s a perfect romantic vision of
eternal love triumphing over
malevolent forces.’
Lili Sobieralska, Head of Wardrobe
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
how to book
Ticket prices People with disabilities £5 off tickets in School and youth groups of ten or
all areas. Two tickets for the price of one more Weekday matinees: all tickets £8
Green schedule Blue schedule
for those with disabilities who require the (transaction charge included); one teacher
A £45 £30
B £38 £26.50 support of a companion. attends for free with every ten tickets
C £33 £23.50 purchased (restrictions apply).
Claimants, full-time students, passport-
D £25.50 £19.50
to-leisure All performances, BRB Friends’discount* £5 off price band
E £19 £16.50
F £16 (Circle only) £15 (Circle only) best-available seats for lowest full price, A, £4 off price band B, £3 off price band C,
from 24 hours pre-performance. Maximum Tuesday–Thursday evenings; one ticket per
See the season ticket booking forms for a performance
diary indicating which performances follow which two tickets per booker. member, limited availability, not available
booking schedule. All bookings (except cash sales at on-line, may be withdrawn at any time.
Birmingham Hippodrome Ticket Sales counter and certain
Over-60s, 18 and under, claimants,
concessionary rates) incur a transaction charge; these are full-time students and passport-to- Groups (transaction fees included)
currently: 6% for telephone, postal and non-cash counter sales; Tuesday–Thursday evenings, weekday and
leisure Tuesday–Thursday evenings,
3% on-line at www.birminghamhippodrome.com
weekday and Saturday matinees: £3 off Saturday matinees, ticket price bands A, B
ticket price bands A, B and C. and C only: groups of 20 or more: £5 off;
Concessions
35 or more: £6 off plus one free for the
Concessionary rates are only available on individual Family tickets Every adult purchasing a
ticket sales, not subscription packages (except essential organiser.
full-price ticket to any weekday evening,
carer concession). All concessions are subject to
Saturday matinee or Sunday 1pm Birmingham Royal Ballet is pleased to be
availability, are at the management’s discretion and
may be withdrawn at any time. Valid ID must be performance may bring up to two young participating in Arts Council England’s
shown where appropriate. Only one concession per people (16 and under) for half the adult A Night Less Ordinary programme in
ticket. No discounts are offered retrospectively. price each (price bands B and C only). conjunction with Birmingham Hippodrome.
Additional discounts may be offered from time to time.
For more details contact Ticket Sales.
Birmingham 2009–10
Booking season tickets Booking individual tickets All the information in this
brochure can be found in
To benefit from 25% savings (50% for 16–26s Individual tickets for any production detailed
clear text by visiting
and even more for Under-16s), buy a season in this brochure may be booked from 22 May
www.brb.org.uk/subscription
ticket to all Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2009*.
Birmingham productions during the 2009–10 On-line (3% transaction charge)
Tickets for Birmingham Royal Ballet’s performances at
season. A season ticket is made up of one ticket www.birminghamhippodrome.com Birmingham Hippodrome are sold by Birmingham Hippodrome.
from each of the seven productions. Birmingham Hippodrome is a company limited by guarantee.
By telephone 0844 338 5000 Registered Office: Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB; Registered
in England and Wales No.1446309; Charity Registered
Season tickets are available by postal booking (6% transaction charge) No.510842; VAT Registration No.864449686. Birmingham Royal
Ballet is a company limited by guarantee. Registered Office:
only (no transaction charge). If this brochure In person at the Ticket Sales counter Thorp Street, Birmingham B5 4AU; Registered in England and
was posted to you, booking forms and other (6% transaction charge; non-group cash sales Wales No.3320538; Charity Registered No.1061012; VAT
Registration No.687933373.
information will have been included. If you currently incur no transaction charge)
have received this brochure without the
By post to Ticket Sales, Birmingham Printed on paper made with 50%
inclusions, or you would like more copies, visit recycled content
Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham
www.brb.org.uk/subscription, call 0121 245
B5 4TB, with your cheque or payment details
3500 to request copies by post, or ask at All information in this brochure correct at
(6% transaction charge). the time of going to press (April 2009),
Birmingham Hippodrome Ticket Sales.
but may be subject to change.
* BRB Friends enjoy discounts on some performances and a significant period of priority
booking for season and individual ticket purchases in Birmingham; to join the Friends, visit Photos: Bill Cooper
www.brb.org.uk/friendsmembership or call 0121 245 3504 to request a Friends leaflet.
Celebrating 20 years in Birmingham: 1990–2010
Birmingham royal Ballet
Thorp Street, Birmingham B5 4Au
www.brb.org.uk
Birmingham Royal Ballet receives funding from
Birmingham 2009–10 Front cover: Swan Lake; photo: Andrew Ross; this page: The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty; photos: Bill Cooper
