Crown of the Russian Ballet sets the barre high at Emperors Palace

South African audiences will be given a window into the world of fine Russian culture when the Crown of the Russian Ballet celebrates Tchaikovsky’s 175th anniversary by taking to the Theatre of Marcellus stage, at Emperors Palace, on April 25 and 26.

Specially prepared for local audiences by director Anatoly Emelianov, the carefully selected line-up is certain to thrill classical ballet enthusiasts of all ages.

The programme opens with the world premiere of Emelianov’s Manfred’s one-act ballet, choreographed to one of Tchaikovsky’s undoubted masterpieces, “The Symphony Manfred”.

The narrative for this work, dealing with deep remorse and moral anguish, comes from Lord Byron’s poem of the same name.

Manfred is a Romantic hero of epic and Faustian proportions.

In his idealistic dilemma he is doomed to destroy the very ones he loves.

Imbued with supernatural elements, the metaphysical torment of Manfred is given the choreographic distinction that audiences internationally have come to associate with the work of Emelianov.

The second half features the one-act “Romeo and Juliet” and an excerpt from “The Sleeping Beauty”.

Danced to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite Romeo and Juliet overture and featuring choreography by Emelianov, this work of burning passion and exquisite beauty was inspired by Shakespeare’s text and remains one of Tchaikovsky’s most popular compositions.

The emotions of love and loss were sadly all too familiar to Tchaikovsky.

Significantly, it was the Romeo and Juliet overture that was used extensively at memorial concerts, held in his honour after his untimely death.

The tale of Princess Aurora and her tragic 16th birthday party holds a place in every child’s heart.

Based on the Brothers Grimm version of the famous Charles Perrault Fairy Story, the Sleeping Beauty is quite simply the quintessential classical ballet that one associates with the Golden Age of Russian ballet.

It is regarded as one of Petipa’s most enduring works and one of his ultimate choreographic masterpieces.

The Crown of the Russian Ballet is proudly presented by impresario Edouard Miasnikov, who delights in sharing Russian culture with South African audiences in the interests of widening cultural exchange and dialogue.

On Saturday, April 25, two shows will take place, at 3pm and 8pm respectively, and on Sunday, April 26, there will be one show at 3pm.

For more information visit www.emperorspalace.com or call 011 928-1297.

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