Queensland Ballet Announces Their 2011 Season

By: Oct. 14, 2010
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Queensland Ballet yesterday announced its 2011 season, which includes a major new work, along with one of the Company's most acclaimed dramatic ballets.

Celebrating the versatility of the Company, Artistic Director François Klaus has created a program that features a new full-length production in addition to the return of some perennial favourites that showcase the ensemble's strong technique and fresh, youthful style.

King Arthur & the Tales of Camelot, the major new work to be created by François Klaus, promises to be a tale of treachery, valour and magic. The characters surrounding King Arthur in his court at Camelot are rich and many. Amongst the retinue is Sir Lancelot, lover of Queen Guinevere, the treacherous Morgana, Arthur's villainous nephew Mordred, and watching over all is the teacher and mentor to the King, Merlin the magician.

2011 also sees the return of the passionate gypsy with the flaming sprit: Carmen. François Klaus's spectacular ballet, with a distinctly flamenco feel, unfolds once again on the Brisbane stage to the powerful music of Bizet.

"Carmen is a strong, complex and passionate character whose dramatic story can be told through dance in a uniquely powerful way...I am excited to be able to bring this dynamic work back for our Brisbane audience," said Klaus.

Klaus is also pleased that Queensland Ballet will continue its tradition of collaboration with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) for both King Arthur & the Tales of Camelot and Swan Lake. In April this partnership is taken one step further, through a special gala concert, presented by the QSO in the QPAC Concert Hall, under the baton of Queensland Ballet Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Mogrelia. A Ballet Spectacular will see the orchestra performing music from favourite ballets, with Queensland Ballet dancers presenting some breathtaking pas de deux and beautiful ensembles.

Season 2011 will also see the return of the family favourite The Little Mermaid, ...with attitude and International Gala programs, as well as the popular Vis-à-vis and Soirées Classiques series.

Season 2011 Vision - FRANÇOIS KLAUS

Artistic Director & Chief Choreographer

"When I come to plan a new season for the Company, there are many considerations I must address. Whilst there is the exciting prospect of creating new work, I feel strongly that I should not ignore the many ballets in our repertoire that deserve to be seen again, not least because I so enjoy seeing how different dancers can bring their unique creative flair to a roles.

Regular subscribers to Queensland Ballet will know that each year has its own special blend of new works, re-mounted productions, and annual features such as the International Gala, ...with attitude contemporary program, Vis-à-vis and Soirées Classiques series. There is room for an enormous diversity of programming within each of these seasons, and I see each one as a wonderful opportunity to present works which can be grouped together because of their style, theme, or even such prosaic matters as the availability of guest choreographers.

I am delighted that in 2011 the QPAC Playhouse stage will once again host productions of Carmen, The Little Mermaid and Swan Lake. We shall very much enjoy the chance to tell these stories again, and bring some memorable characters back to life. Swan Lake affords the great pleasure of working with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Ballet's Principal Guest Conductor, Andrew Mogrelia. The Orchestra will also perform the music for a major new work, King Arthur & the Tales of Camelot. I have long been fascinated by this most enduring and complex of legends, and I look forward to creating a ballet peopled by such larger-than-life characters as Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin, Morgana and Mordred.

Our public performances are the culmination of much behind-the-scenes work by the dancers, artistic and production staff, creative collaborators (including our highly valued designers), and administration staff. I would like to recognise here the tremendous contribution of Judith Anderson, Queensland Ballet's General Manager of some 13 years. For the 2011 season, she passes the mantle to Anna Marsden. With Anna, I look forward to further building the Company's stature, and ensuring that the inspiring, creative environment in which we work continues to thrive.

Programming a whole year of dance often feels like a piecing together a giant jigsaw puzzle which, when complete, reveals a compelling picture, rich in detail and beauty. I hope you enjoy the many different offerings in the 2011 season." (François Klaus)

Season 2011 on Sale Now...
Subscriptions to Queensland Ballet's Season 2011 are now on sale.

Bookings and enquiries: phone qtix 136 246.

For a free season brochure, phone Queensland Ballet on (07) 3013 6666

or visit www.queenslandballet.com.au

Carmen 26 February - 12 March
... with attitude 2011 27 - 29 May
Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents
A Ballet Spectacular 16 April

The Little Mermaid 3 - 11 June
18 June ~ Gold Coast
24 June ~ Toowoomba
International Gala 2011 5 - 7 August
King Arthur & the Tales of Camelot 15 - 29 October
Swan Lake 3 - 21 December
Vis-à-vis Studio Series 29 April - 9 September

Soirées Classiques 12 February & 19 November

CARMEN

Choreographed by François Klaus

26 February - 12 March 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Untamed and wildly seductive, Carmen is a fiery Spanish gypsy whose charms prove irresistible to the soldier Don José. But Carmen cherishes her freedom above all else, and her defiant spirit cannot be subdued by any man. There are no winners in her dangerous game of love.

Based on the original story by Prosper Mérimée, François Klaus's dramatic ballet unfolds to the powerful music of Bizet, with evocative staging and dance that echoes with the stirring flamenco tradition. En garde! This sensational production of Carmen will draw you into the treacherous world of a woman who lived and died by her own rules.

Dancer: Rachael Walsh; Photographer: Ken Sparrow

Queensland Symphony Orchestra presents

A BALLET SPECTACULAR

16 April 2011

Venue Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Music written for ballet is among the most loved in the repertoire. Gloriously descriptive and emotive, it can conjure up visions of a radiant princess, an enchanted kingdom, or devoted lovers. In this special gala concert, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Queensland Ballet Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Mogrelia, performs music from favourite ballets, with our own Queensland Ballet dancers presenting some breathtaking pas de deux and beautiful ensembles.

Amongst the music you'll enjoy are the sweeping melodies from Tchaikovsky's trilogy of great masterworks: Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, as well as Khatchaturian's Spartacus.

...WITH ATTITUDE 2011

27 - 29 May 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

...with attitude bursts on to The Playhouse stage with exciting contemporary dance works from guest choreographers. Included in the impressive program is Purcell Pieces, from acclaimed Dutch choreographer Nils Christe, which soars with a breathtaking pace and swirling palette of colour.

Queensland Ballet's versatile dancers embrace these vigorous contemporary choreographies with a fresh, passionate energy. This is dance without fear and ...with attitude!

Dancers: Nathan Scicluna & Melissa Tattam; Photographer: David Kelly

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Choreographed by François Klaus

3 - 11 June 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

The kind-hearted Little Mermaid rescues a Prince during a storm at sea, and so begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Determined to pursue her love on to the shore, she makes a bargain with the Sea Witch - but it comes at a heavy price.

This much-loved story from Hans Christian Andersen is more than a simple fairy tale. François Klaus's charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices may have lasting consequences, and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways.

The Little Mermaid will also be presented at The Arts Centre Gold Coast on Saturday 18 June, 1.30pm & 6.30pm, and at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba on Friday 24 June, 6.30pm.

The Little Mermaid; Photographer: Ken Sparrow

INTERNATIONAL GALA 2011

5 - 7 August 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Eagerly anticipated each year, Queensland Ballet's International Gala is always a showcase of the best classical and contemporary dance. Enjoy virtuosic performances by international guest dancers who excel in works by choreographers from around the globe. Following the tradition of more than a decade, the satisfying and varied program includes a stunning Overture and Finale by François Klaus for the entire Queensland Ballet ensemble.

Dancers: Rachael Walsh & Christian Tátchev;

Photographer: David Kelly

KING ARTHUR & THE TALES OF CAMELOT

Choreographed by François Klaus

With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

15 - 29 October 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

The shining figure of King Arthur has stood tall throughout the ages. He was the one, true King of the Britons who drew the sword Excalibur from a stone, a valiant hero and leader of the Knights of the Round Table. He was a faithful husband betrayed by his Queen Guinevere, and he sleeps in fabled Avalon.

The characters surrounding King Arthur in his court at Camelot are rich and many. Amongst the retinue is Sir Lancelot, lover of Guinevere, the treacherous Morgana, Arthur's villainous nephew Mordred, and watching over all is the teacher and mentor to the King, Merlin the magician. Choreographer François Klaus has gathered together many of these intriguing tales to create a ballet which celebrates the legendary King.

Dancer: Rachael Walsh; Photographer: David Kelly

SWAN LAKE

Choreographed by Francois Klaus (Act 2: after Petipa/Ivanov)

With the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Queensland Ballet Principal Guest Conductor: Andrew Mogrelia

3 - 21 December 2011

Venue Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Swan Lake holds a cherished place in the repertoire. François Klaus's spectacular interpretation of this classic ballet honours its rich choreographic heritage (including the traditional 'White Swans' second act), whilst deftly creating a new narrative that culminates in the migration of the great Russian ballet tradition to the Western world.

Ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska was one of the stars of The Imperial Ballet in its golden years of the late 19th century. While living in exile in France after the Russian Revolution, she wrote a memoir of her life and romance with Tsar Nicholas II. François Klaus saw parallels between their tragic story and the tale of doomed love between the Swan Queen, Odette, and Prince Siegfried. His ballet chronicles an epic story of devotion and betrayal, with lavish sets and costumes, thrilling dance and the glorious music of Tchaikovsky.


Dancer: Rachael Walsh; Photographer: Ken Sparrow

VIS-À-VIS STUDIO SERIES
AT THE Thomas Dixon CENTRE
Vis-à-vis 1 29 April - 14 May 2011
Vis-à-vis 2 1 - 16 July 2011
Vis-à-vis 3 26 August - 9 September 2011

Venue All performances at the Thomas Dixon Centre, West End

There are myriad aspects of dance - and the Vis-à-vis Studio Series will help you to unravel the secrets. Artistic Director François Klaus is your guide to the intricacies of technique and performance art, as he presents an entertaining mix of dance pieces in the intimate studio at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Among the works you'll enjoy are excerpts of work-in-progress and new creations by emerging choreographers. Each Vis-à-vis is an intriguing surprise package which really does bring you face-to-face with dance.

SOIRÉES CLASSIQUES

Venue All performances at the Thomas Dixon Centre, West End

Soirée Classique 1
Date & Times Sat 12 February 2011, 3pm & 6.30pm
Soirée Classique 2
Date & Times Sat 19 November 2011, 3pm & 6.30pm

Artistic Director François Klaus hosts these delightful interludes of live music and dance at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Soirées Classiques are short and varied programs of appealing dance pieces and chamber music provided by some of Brisbane's finest musicians, including members of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

 



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