Three works celebrating classical, contemporary and neo-classical dance – this programme is not to be missed.

Balanchine / Miller / Dawson

The programme opens with the dazzling Theme and Variations, a skilful showstopper from George Balanchine. Featuring 13 couples dancing to Tchaikovsky, this is classical ballet that is grand, yet light on its feet. Intricate choreography, technical tenacity and exquisite musicality all lead to a triumphant finale that will leave you exhilarated.

Known for her visceral and imaginative movement style, Andrea Miller creates a new work to Stravinsky’s revolutionary score, Les Noces. The piece unfolds against artwork conceived by Phyllida Barlow, with dancers joined on stage by the Opera Holland Park Chorus. Marking 100 years since the work’s premiere, Miller’s Les Noces examines the power of rituals and imagines the aftermath of Stravinsky’s other iconic piece, The Rite of Spring. What comes after the sacrifice?

Finally, British choreographer David Dawson takes us on a deeply moving journey with Four Last Songs. Richard Strauss’s song cycle is a musical masterpiece, often described as a poignant farewell to life. Underneath the heavens, twelve dancers unite in Dawson’s poetic style to the music’s lush, lyrical melodies, bringing with them a feeling of serenity, eternity and the sublime.

All of the music will be performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic under the baton of Principal Guest Conductor Gavin Sutherland and Guest Conductor Timothy Henty. Les Noces will be performed in its orchestral version, joined by solo vocalists Siân Griffiths, Jack Roberts, Frazer Scott, Janice Watson, and the Opera Holland Park Chorus. Soprano Madeleine Pierard will perform Strauss’s masterwork Four Last Songs.

Information on casting for each performance.

Image Description: Two ballet dancers are pictured side on, one lifted above the head of another. One dancer stands with his head tilted back and arms ridged and upright. He wears nude-coloured shorts with a white piping detail. He is holding up the other dancer who is resting on his hands and draped over him in a backward bend. Her arms are held out to the sides. One foot points to the floor and the other is bent back across the other dancer. She wears a similar nude-coloured leotard with white piping. They are washed over with three expanding squares of colour in yellow, pink and then blue.

Header image © Jason Bell