Kyiv Opera House production of Ludwig Minkus’s Don Quixote, brilliantly staged by Alla Vysotskaya, brings together breathtaking displays of virtuoso dancing and enchanting choreography. It perfectly conveys the excitement, colour and wit of Cervantes’s masterful novel in a merry, high-spirited account of the love between Kitri and Basil. The lovers must overcome all Kitri’s father’s attempts to engineer his unwilling daughter into a more lucrative match – and, with the help of Don Quixote, they win the day.
Performance: Febuary 9th, 2017.
Read: February 2017 Movie Premiers
The iconic Cio Cio San (Madama Butterfly) opera tells the story of the Japanese geisha Cio-Cio-San, whose love for the American navy lieutenant Pinkerton eventually drives her to her death. Cultures clash when a trusting young woman marries an American naval officer stationed in Nagasaki. Puccini’s gut-wrenching music takes the audience on an emotionally charged journey through innocence, betrayal and sacrifice towards a heartbreaking finale.
Performance: February 11th, 2017.
On St Valentine’s Day Kyiv Opera house invites to re-discover the iconic love story of all times, the legendary Romeo and Juliet ballet. Sergey Prokofiev’s classic score draws out the emotional and psychological intensity of the tale. Romeo and Juliet contains three passionate pas de deux: the lovers’ first meeting, the famous balcony scene and the devastating final tragedy, in which Romeo dances desperately with the lifeless Juliet. The story is set against a wonderful evocation of 16th-century Verona, and includes a bustling marketplace that erupts into a violent sword fight, and a lavish ball held in an elegant mansion.
Performance: February 14th, 2017.
Quintessential love songs performed by «Lords of the Sound Orchestra» will turn an ordinary day into the continuation of Valentine’s day for all the guests of this performance. Beloved soundtracks and romantic ballads will be performed by best Ukrainian musicians, the dance show by Foresight Ballet band will add vibrant emotions to the show.
Performance: February 15th, 2017
El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat or Le tricorne) is a ballet choreographed by Léonide Massine to music by Manuel de Falla, commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev and premiered complete in 1919. It is not only a ballet with Spanish setting but the one that also employs the techniques of Spanish dance (adapted and somewhat simplified) instead of classical ballet. The story derives from the novella by Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (born in Granada) and tells about a magistrate infatuated with a miller's faithful wife attempting to seduce her.
Performance: February 18th, 2017.
Opera has plenty of femmes fatales, but there's only one Carmen. Spanish heat and gypsy passion are brought to the stage in Kyiv National Opera House vivid production of Bizet's opera. Carmen's allure proves spellbinding as she seduces a hapless corporal and then a dashing bullfighter. You’ll feel the heat as you’re captivated by Bizet’s bewitching melodies — the smoky Habanera, the playful Seguidilla, the provocative Gypsy Song. Every single melody in this ever-popular opera is a beloved hit, and each is brought to life by a cast of spectacular leading artists.
Performances: February 22nd, 2017.
Kyiv Opera house will close the winter season with iconic winter fairy-tale, The Nutcracker. Ever since its premiere in St. Petersburg in 1892, this performance has been an integral and irreplaceable part of Christmas celebrations worldwide and a work of theatrical exuberance synonymous with the unfettered joys of childhood wonderment. Kyiv National Opera House touching and multilayered version of the famous ballet is a spectacular re-imagining that has been greeted with rapturous acclaim by audiences whenever it was performed.
The story takes place in 19th century Russia, where the idyllic, natural rhythms of life provide the backdrop to the fantastic dream journey of Fritz and Marie, the brother and sister at the center of the narrative. Audience will follow the bickering siblings through an astonishing dreamscape of fantastic creatures, places and events, before they finally arrive at the magical palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy, having grown into a new maturity and understanding. With Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score underpinning the entire spectacular affair, The Nutcracker is a ballet like no other.
Performance: February 28th, 2017.
Read:February 2017 Concerts in Kyiv
Photo source: opera.com.ua, photographer Ksenia Pancenko. All photos belong to their rightful owners.
