6 April 2016 at 9.58am | 84 Comments
Casting correct at time of publishing (6 April 2016)
La Fille mal gardée (27 September–22 October 2016)
Choreography: Frederick Ashton
Music: Ferdinand Hérold, arranged and orchestrated by John Lanchbery
Conductor: Barry Wordsworth
Frederick Ashton’s joyful ballet The Wayward Daughter features some of his most brilliant choreography.
Anastasia (26 October–12 November 2016)
Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan
Music: Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky and Bohuslav Martinů, with electronic music by Fritz Winckel and Rüdiger Rüfer
Conductor: Simon Hewett
Kenneth MacMillan’s full-length ballet is a compelling exploration of identity in the turbulent wake of the Russian Revolution.
Live cinema relay: 2 November 2016
Chroma / Multiverse / Carbon Life (10–19 November 2016)
Choreography: Wayne McGregor
Music: Joby Talbot and Jack White III / Steve Reich / Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
Conductor: Koen Kessels
The Royal Ballet celebrates Wayne McGregor’s ten years as Resident Choreographer with an all-McGregor programme, including one world premiere to a new commission by Steve Reich.
Charlotte Edmonds and Robert Binet NEW (10–19 November 2016)
Choreography: Charlotte Edmonds/ Robert Binet
A mixed programme of two new works by young choreographers Charlotte Edmonds and Robert Binet, each of whom has been mentored by Wayne McGregor.
The Nutcracker (23 November 2016–12 January 2017)
Choreography: Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov
Music: Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Boris Gruzin (Nov, Dec, except 31 Dec) / Dominic Grier (31 Dec, Jan)
The Royal Ballet celebrates Peter Wright’s 90th birthday with his much-loved production of this beautiful classical ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.
Live cinema relay: 8 December 2016
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (Roundhouse) (December 2016–January 2017)
Direction and writer: Kate Prince
ZooNation Dance Company
ZooNation’s fabulous show – a gleefully off-the-wall take on the madcap characters of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – is reimagined for the unique space of the Roundhouse.
Les Enfants Terribles (Barbican) (27–29 January 2017)
Direction and choreography: Javier De Frutos
Music: Philip Glass
Javier De Frutos directs a new production of Philip Glass’s dance opera inspired by Cocteau’s surrealist tragedy, featuring Royal Ballet dancers and leading lights of the contemporary and classical dance scene.
The Sleeping Beauty (21 December 2016–14 March 2017)
Choreography: Marius Petipa , with additional choreography by Frederick Ashton, Anthony Dowell and Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Koen Kessels (Feb, 1 Mar) / Valeriy Ovsyanikov (Dec, Jan, Mar, except 1 Mar)
Celebrate 70 years of The Royal Ballet’s landmark production of Petipa’s classic ballet and enter an enchanted world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells, to glorious music by Tchaikovsky.
Live cinema relay: 28 February 2017
Woolf Works (21 January–14 February 2017)
Choreography: Wayne McGregor
Music: Max Richter
Conductor: Koen Kessels
The first revival of Wayne McGregor’s critically acclaimed ballet triptych to music by Max Richter, inspired by the works of Virginia Woolf and starring Alessandra Ferri and Mara Galeazzi.
Live cinema relay: 8 February 2017
The Human Seasons / After the Rain / NEW Flight Pattern (16 March–24 March 2017)
Choreography: David Dawson / Christopher Wheeldon / Crystal Pite
Music: Greg Haines / Arvo Pärt / Henryk Górecki
Conductor: Koen Kessels
The Royal Ballet celebrates contemporary ballet with a programme that includes a world premiere from Crystal Pite and works by Christopher Wheeldon and David Dawson.
Jewels (1 April–21 April 2017)
Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Gabriel Fauré, Igor Stravinsky, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Conductor: Pavel Sorokin
Now in its 50th year, George Balanchine’s timeless evocation of the glitter of emeralds, rubies and diamonds is still a sparkling ballet gem in its own right.
Live cinema relay: 11 April 2017
Mayerling (28 April–13 May 2017)
Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan
Music: Franz Liszt, arranged and orchestrated by John Lanchbery
Conductor: Martin Yates
Adult drama meets electrifying choreography in Kenneth MacMillan’s masterful ballet – a devastating tale of extreme passion and desperate acts, inspired by true events.
The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude / Tarantella / Strapless / NEW Liam Scarlett (18 May–31 May 2017)
Choreography: William Forsythe / George Balanchine / Christopher Wheeldon / Liam Scarlett
Music: Franz Schubert / Louis Moreau Gottschalk, reconstructed and orchestrated by Hershy Kay / Mark-Anthony Turnage / TBC
Conductor: Koen Kessels
Virtuoso dance from The Royal Ballet in a mixed programme that includes two classics from Forsythe and Balanchine, the first revival of Wheeldon’s 2016 narrative ballet and a Scarlett world premiere.
The Dream / Symphonic Variations / Marguerite and Armand (2–10 June 2017)
Choreography: Frederick Ashton
Music: Felix Mendelssohn / César Franck / Franz Liszt
Conductor: Emmanuel Plasson
The Royal Ballet brings its celebrations of 70 years at the Royal Opera House to a close with a mixed programme of works by its Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton.
Live cinema relay / BP Big Screen: 7 June 2017
The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance (9 July 2017)
Conductor: Paul Murphy
The Royal Ballet School’s annual performance features an impressive mix of traditional and contemporary ballet, as a showcase for the prodigious talent of some of the best young dancers in the world.
This article has 84 comments
Thank you ROH for bringing back the incredible Woolf Works in Jan 2017. I can not wait!
So pleased to see Ermonela Jaho will be singing Madama Butterfly. She is phenomenal in this. Excited to see the return of Anastasia, Mayerling and Woolf Works. A great year ahead.
typo on Wayne MacGregor's Chroma, unless its a new work about the UK's national dish Chorma :) Otherwise looking like a great season.
Hi Robert,
This has now been amended - thanks for flagging and glad you're looking forward to the Season!
Chris
astounding season !!! THRILLED you are reviving Anastasia !!!
Great season! Thrilled that there are so many performances of Beauty! However, I think Anastasia is starting Oct 26, not Sept 26? :)
And also, Nutcracker ends on 12 Jan, not 7th?
Hi Kadeem,
Thanks very much for spotting these typos – corrected now. Glad you're looking forward to the Season!
All best,
Rachel
The new season looks great, but I would have liked to see Cinderella instead of The Nutcracker yet again! Very pleased about Anastasia and Woolf Works.
I completely agree! Was really hoping to see Cinderella!
I agree Nutcrakcer last year so this year Cindrella would have been perfect
I like all of it! Particularly pleased to see a first new work from Crystal Pite- it's been too long since we had a notable female choreographer (Twyla Tharp could well have been the last) creating new work for the company on the main stage - as well as new works by Wayne McGregor and Liam Scarlett. It's wonderful to see so many British choreographers creating new classical works at Covent Garden and abroad today. I missed The Human Seasons and Tarantella last time, so I'm really looking forward to both. Am looking forward to seeing the Forsythe on the company too! Can't wait to see the casting for Anastasia- I really enjoyed the revival when Viviana Durante danced the lead role(s).
Sorry, I mean I missed Human Seasons and The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude the last time!
Genuinely jumped out of my chair with excitement... Mayerling, Anastasia, Jewels, Marguerite and Armand, wow! Best season I can recall! I am going to be broke this year...
Thank you so much for reviving Anastasia - it left such an impression on me as a small child. Also delighted that Woolf Works is being broadcast to cinemas as well as Jewels and The Dream...
will osipova still be with the company?
hope so along with nunez it will be brilliant
Very pleased to see that Woolf Works is returning; such a stunning production. Also looking forward to seeing Mayerling again. Jewels and La Fille are firm favourites and it will be good to see Anastasia. Sadly Swan Lake is missing from the list. I can't imagine why the iconic Anthony Dowell production has been shelved - I have seen many productions of Swan Lake but none could match the ROH version.
I agree... Swan Lake needs to be performed also at Christmas
Swan Lake in Paris in December...?
Would have been nice to see Cinderella at Christmas instead of The Nutcracker yet again!!! Can't wait to see Anastasia. It's wonderful that the older ballets are being revived giving a new audience the chance to see them. Hope that Dances at a Gathering, Jazz Calendar and Daphnis and Chloe will be next.
I knew that Mayerling was coming (but it would be better to do it in 2018 for its 40th anniversary) and i had the feeling that Anastasia too. This season looks amazing!!!!!
Excited about new season - pity no La Bayadere.
This looks fantastic; really looking forward to the new Liam Scarlett and Wayne McGregor pieces but above all to see Alessandra Ferri again in Woolf Works - utterly exquisite, I do so hope she's in other performances too.
Quite disappointed to see that Nutcracker will again be relayed live. Why give up one of only six spots to a ballet that was already relayed live in the previous season? Would have much preferred to see one of the mixed bills or Mayerling...
Really looking forward to next season. Woolf works a particular highlight, will we see Ferri again? If not I'd love to see Zenaida Yanowsky in that. I agree its a pity that some of the cinema live screenings are the same ballets again., why not Mayerling?
Yes, Ferri is currently announced to be in it. Former principal dancer Mara Galeazzi is also returning to be guest artist dancing the Woolf role.
Another exciting year ahead, with the sole exception of Nutcracker - again! Cinderella would be wonderful, especially for children to extend their experience. Those of us who depend on Live Relay - and what a blessing it is - are seeing one sixth of last year's progamme over again.
Delighted to see Mayerling on the list
But The Nutcracker AGAIN ?
Would have loved Cinderella for a change
Am missing Cinderella....again!
Argh! The first time since 1994 I can make it to London and I have to choose between Anastasia and Mayerling - neither of which I can imagine AusBallet will ever get!
Wow! What a brilliant season this is going to be for dancers and audience! Better start saving................
Brilliant season! But I think that "La Bayadere" is missing...
WHAT A LINE-UP! Very excited by the promise of Anastasia, which we have never seen. Always thrilling to catch Korma, and (woopwoop!) The Human Seasons is the icing on a very rich cake. Thankyou!
What has happened to matinees?? eg Chroma and Human Seasons programmes. We rely on these because we live so far away.
Hi Susan,
Unfortunately due to scheduling, as much as we would like to, it is sometimes not possible to stage matinee performances for all productions.
All best wishes,
Rose
What a super season ahead, and so pleased to know the live screenings continue. Very much looking forward to Jewels and Mayerling, plus the Mixed Bill for May and June 2017. ROH Live a must for everyone, highlighted by the recent Giselle showing, which captured perfectly the facial expressions and emotions of Marianela and Vadim.
I love that some of the things are broadcast in cinemas (as well as plays & occasionally musicals from other places/companies).
Not all of us have the money, or wherewithal, to get to London!
Opera program is fantastic, but what a dull ballet season ahead((((
Couple of productions to be a little bit excited about (
I cannot wait for Anastasia!!
Is la fille mal gardee not in the cinema?
Hi Julie,
La Fille mal gardée won't be in cinemas next Season. You can see the upcoming cinema relays here: http://www.roh.org.uk/showings
Thanks,
Rose
Has this photo been credited correctly? This looks like Carbon Life rather than Woolf Works.
Thanks
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
Thanks for your comment. The image is indeed from Woolf Works, from the middle section 'Becomings'.
All best,
Rachel
This is a wonderful program! Unlike some grumblers above, I am very happy to see the Nutcracker here. There is something for everyone, and I have not seen it.
To ROH: Could you please organize the live cinema broadcasts in Lyon, France!! PLEASE!
A lot of interesting material on offer in the coming season, but yet again no Petit, no Bejart, no Duato, no Maillot, no Kylian, no van Manon no Graham, no Lander, nothing from Australia despite the exciting things happening in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Whilst no company can be god at everything, is R.B. not in danger of being too focused on either the very early or very selective modern?
New season looks amazing! So exicited to see Woolf Works, Jewels and Mayerling.
Great season. Just watched Royal Ballet DVD of Don Quixote. A new ballet to me. Fantastic. Would love to see this live. Any chance for the next season planning?
Very exciting season, especially the mixed programmes ... I'll be broke but can't wait!
Is it correct that Muntagirov will be dancing with both Morera and Nunez on different dates for Fille Mal Gardee? Or is this a typo?
Hi Nicola,
The best place to look for up to date casting is on production pages - http://www.roh.org.uk/productions/la-fille-mal-gardee-by-frederick-ashton
You're correct that Vadim Muntagirov will be performing with both Laura Morera and Marianela Nuñez on different dates.
Thanks
Chris
STUNNED that we will have a chance to see/hear Enfants again! We experienced the performance in DC back when it was new in the mid 90s--the combo of dance + voice was mesmerizing. We left the theatre joyfully dazed. Its so difficult to get a good mix of opera PLUS dance INTEGRATED (not just 'let's stop the opera and dance a bit' a la Berlioz Troyans). Bravo/brava ROH for getting this staged! The performance will be an EVENT!
Is there an issue with the Strapless mixed bill? It's disappeared from the detailed Summer season info - just the Ashton mixed bill is featured...(it's still in the year overview though.)
Hi Nick,
Many thanks for getting in touch about that error. This has now been corrected, and the Strapless mixed programme is showing on the summer season page.
All best,
Rachel
When will the casting for Winter Season be announced?
Hi Elena,
We don't have a concrete date yet for release of Winter 2016/17 casting, but we aim to publish these prior to booking opening.
Thanks
Chris
Would love to see Rite of Spring again soon.
Just received Winter About The House magazine with very interesting articles - thank you. I know this has been raised previously, but what a shame that details of ballet casting are no longer given when this magazine is published. Especially for a full length work such as Sleeping Beauty, it is essential to know who will be dancing the principal roles. I do hope that this information will be available before the Premium 2 booking date of 6 September.
Thanks
Amanda
Don't wish to be the sulky, petulant voice of doom but I'm gutted that there aren't any Choe/Campbell performances scheduled for the classics in the Autumn or Winter programmes. When casting for Fille and Nutcracker was announced I was disappointed, but figured I'd be able to book for Sleeping Beauty, however that's now also been dashed. It's clearly impossible to cater for everyone's ideal pairings, but such a shame as Alexander and Yuhui absolutely shine as a PDD partnership and have built up quite the fan base over the last few years. Hope we will see them together in Jewels and maybe Marguerite & Armand.
Couldn't you have got a few more Sleeping Beauty's in? she asked, sarcastically.
We do not need that many performances of this hackneyed production
I saw Jewels a couple of Christmases ago and it was fab so look forward to seeing that again, along with the mixed programmes and probably Sleeping Beauty.
I do hope there are plans for Onegin to be back at some stage. I think that's been my favourite ever performance at ROH.
Looks to be a good season but would love to see La Bayadere in the line up. Is it scheduled for the next season?
Will there be a DVD release of Anastasia? I am going to be away and will miss all performances. I love this ballet - please issue it on DVD and BluRay
Hi Joan,
No DVD/Blu-Ray release is yet confirmed, but do watch this space.
Thanks,
Chris
Such a shame I missed Anastasia in the cinema :( I loved the rehearsals on youtube and was hoping to see it on the big screen (since I live in Switzerland). Oh well, I learned from my mistake and subscribed to the monthly news on the cinema-program.
Do you have casting for your Brisbane tour?
Hi Lindsay,
We don't have casting available yet. This is something that The Royal Ballet is likely to release some weeks before they depart. All updates will be posted on our social channels and here on the website. Stay tuned!
Thanks,
Rose
please can you tell me the difference between Live and Encore showings.
Nutcracker will be my first ballet at the cinema
Thank you Mary Hall
Hi Mary,
So glad you're coming to Nutcracker at the cinema. A live showing is one that is broadcast as the performance is going on - the audience in the Royal Opera House are watching the same performance at the same time as the one that's shown on screen. An encore screening is a recorded performance: it's exactly the same performance, only it isn't taking place as you watch it. (Much like watching something live on TV, or on catch up later.)
Hope that's helpful.
All the best,
Mel
Just watched behind the scenes of the Nutcracker. I never had an interest in ballet but now I am hoping to see Nutcracker during Christmas 2017. It looked fantastic, here's hoping! When would you usually annouce details of Christmas performances?
I saw that programme too, it was a brilliant show! Unable to see the full ballet, but I'm glad it seemed that that new choreography worked! ☺
Hi there. I was wondering if there was a way to be considered to audition for the company. I am a recent graduate of the School of American ballet seeking employment and I would love the opportunity to audition for the Royal Ballet. Is there an email I can send my information too? Is this possible? I hope someone can help me out! Thanks so much!
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for your question. You can send a CV and video link on the contact portal of our website. Anything received there will be sent to a member of The Royal Ballet casting team.
Good luck!
All best wishes,
Rose
When are you going to release the calendar for the 2017/2018 season?
Hi Amanda,
We will announce the productions in the upcoming Season in April. Keep an eye out on our social channels for more!
All best wishes,
Rose
Hi! I was wondering if Natalia Osipova is performing the Sleeping Beauty?
Thanks!
Hi Peter,
Yes, at the moment Osipova is scheduled to perform in three performances. Unfortunately tickets have now sold out. Returns may become available so do call the Box Office on +44 (0)20 7304 4000.
All best wishes,
Rose
Dear ROH, please could you tell me when you will be staging Nutcracker in November/December 2017, - and on which weekdays you will be having matinees. Many thanks.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for your question. We won't know the schedule until April when we announce the upcoming Season. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for then!
All best wishes,
Rose
Hi there
Any indication on when Zenaida's last performance will be ?Thanks
Hi Kassie,
Thanks for getting in touch. Zenaida Yanowsky's last performance will be on 7 June in Marguerite and Armand.
This performance will also be broadcast live in cinemas worldwide.
Thanks,
Rose
Hi,
I'm a adult ballerina. In september I'm getting married and intend to spend my honeymoon in London. So I'd like to know when your next season starts so I can book my trip and and fulfill the dream of watching my favorite company. I'm a big fan!
I just need the date of opening season in september. You don't need to announce the productions in the upcoming season.
Hi Rafaela,
We'll be announcing our Season details at the beginning of April - watch this space! I'm afraid we won't be releasing any details before then, but not long to wait now!
All the best for your upcoming wedding.
Mel
Hello, my best friend and her husband will be coming to London in DEcember to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. The husband wants to take his wife to the ROH to the ballet. Please can you let me know what will be on the first two weeks in December. Thank you
Dear Janet,
Thanks for your comment, and it's lovely to hear that your friends want to come to the ballet!
Frederick Ashton's Sylvia runs from 23 November — 16 December 2017, and Peter Wright's production of Lev Ivanov's The Nutcracker runs from 5 December 2017—10 January 2018.
Please follow this link to our 2017/18 ballet Season for more details: http://www.roh.org.uk/news/ballet-and-dance-at-the-royal-opera-house-201718
I hope this helps, and please get back in touch if you have any more questions.
All the best,
Asher Korner