The National Ballet of Canada has announced a tour to the Royal Opera House in London from July 28 to August 1, 2020. The company will be taking Sleeping Beauty, one of its signature classics, to the revered historic venue.
Karen Kain, Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, and Executive Director Barry Hughson made the announcement on January 14. It will be the first time the NBC has performed at the Royal Opera House in 41 years. The tour includes seven performances.
Karen Kain talks about the significance of the tour in a media release. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our wonderful artists performing Rudolf Nureyev’s beautifully refurbished production of The Sleeping Beauty to London’s storied Royal Opera House. This spectacular production has such deep significance to the company’s history as it launched our international reputation — it is a fitting choice for our appearance at such an important centre of international dance,”
Hughson noted the Royal Opera’s well deserved reputation. “It is a great honour to be invited to perform on one of the most prestigious stages in the world. This exciting appearance is a continuation of the National Ballet’s commitment to international touring and showcasing the depth of the company’s artistry to a global audience.”
The Birmingham Royal Ballet Sinfonia will be conducting Tchaikovsky’s treasured classic under the baton of NBC Music Director and Principal Conductor David Briskin.
Nureyev choreographed his famously lavish version of Sleeping Beauty in 1972, during his 13-year tenure at the NBC. Known as a technically challenging piece, Sleeping Beauty helped to elevate the NBC’s international reputation and profile in the dance world. The highly entertaining version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet was staged by Kain in 2006 for the inaugural season at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The production features designs by Nicholas Georgiadis and lighting by David Hersey.
The London tour will mark a significant occasion in the NBC’s history — Karen Kain’s 50th anniversary with the company. An opening night gala in honour of the occasion will be hosted by the UK Friends of The National Ballet of Canada.
It’s not the only time the NBC will be hitting the road this year, or even the first. Before the London tour, the company will perform Sleeping Beauty along with a mixed program at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. from January 28 to February 2.
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