Symphony in C
Bizet's Symphony no.1 provides a radiant accompaniment to one of Balanchine's best-loved ballets.
Photos
When to see it
Part of a mixed Programme, These works are performed together
Raven Girl / Symphony in C
The world premiere of a new work by Royal Ballet Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor in collaboration with Audrey Niffenegger, and a neoclassical masterpiece by Balanchine.
Booking for 28 May 2013 - 8 June 2013 opens
- Booking opened 9 April 2013 for General Public.
- Booking opened 12 March 2013 for Friends of Covent Garden.
- Booking opened 1 March 2013 for Supporting Friends.
- Booking opened 27 February 2013 for Premium 1 Friends.
- Booking opened 26 February 2013 for Premium 2 Friends.
Mixed: Raven Girl
Tuesday 28 May 2013, 7.30pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Lamb
- Cojocaru
- Choe
- Mendizabal
- Hristov
- Pennefather
- McRae
- Trzensimiech
Mixed: Raven Girl
Wednesday 29 May 2013, 2.00pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Yanowsky
- Nuñez
- Choe
- Morera
- Soares
- Bonelli
- McRae
- Cervera
Mixed: Raven Girl
Wednesday 29 May 2013, 7.30pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Lamb
- Cojocaru
- Marquez
- Mendizabal
- Hristov
- Pennefather
- Campbell
- Trzensimiech
Mixed: Raven Girl
Monday 3 June 2013, 7.30pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Yanowsky
- Nuñez
- Marquez
- Morera
- Bonelli
- Soares
- Campbell
- Cervera
Mixed: Raven Girl
Saturday 8 June 2013, 1.30pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Lamb
- Cojocaru
- Marquez
- Mendizabal
- Hristov
- Pennefather
- Campbell
- Trzensimiech
Mixed: Raven Girl
Saturday 8 June 2013, 7.00pm | Main Stage- Kessels
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Yanowsky
- Nuñez
- Marquez
- Morera
- Bonelli
- Soares
- Campbell
- Cervera
Introduction
The four movements of Bizet’s Symphony no.1 in C Major are accompanied by choreography that draws on the neoclassical style of Balanchine’s early years as a dancer in St Petersburg.
News and features
Cast change: Igone de Jongh of Dutch National Ballet to dance in Symphony in C on 28/29 May
Dutch dancer replaces Alina Cojocaru.
'I am a cloud in trousers': The Sayings of George Balanchine
From the damning to the indecipherable, a look at Balanchineisms.
Q&A: Roberta Marquez
The Royal Ballet Principal answers your questions on roles, inspiration, and Brazilian cooking.
Background
George Balanchine created Symphony in C in 1947 towards the end of his six-month tenure as guest maître de ballet at the Paris Opera Ballet. He brought the work with him on his return to the United States and it was on the first programme for the New York City Ballet. It has since become one of Balanchine’s most popular works and has been performed by more than forty ballet companies worldwide.
Balanchine’s choreography perfectly captures the varied textures of Georges Bizet’s symphony, created when the composer was just 17. The work opens with a sparkling Allegro vivo, as the corps de ballet travel across the stage in a virtuoso display. The following Andante forms the emotional heart of the piece. A plaintive oboe melody accompanies poetic choreography that recalls the role of Odette in Swan Lake. The final two movements build to an exhilarating finale as all 52 dancers take to the stage. The elegant set and costumes were designed by former Director of The Royal Ballet Anthony Dowell.
Running time
As a mixed programme this performance lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes | Including one interval. Raven Girl will last for about 1 hour 15 minutes, followed by a 30 minute interval. Symphony in C will last for about 36 minutes.
Related links
- www.theballetbag.com The Ballet Bag: Introduction to Symphony in C
- en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia: Symphony in C
