Introduction

A cast of 20 dancers, led by three principal couples, perform Liam Scarlett's interpretation of Poulenc's beautiful music

Background

Liam Scarlett created Asphodel Meadows for The Royal Ballet in 2010. It was acclaimed for its elegiac and classically informed style and won the National Dance Award for Best Choreography.

Set to Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos in D minor, the classically-informed choreography of Asphodel Meadows forms a counterpart to the three movements of Poulenc's vigorous and spirited concerto. From a cast of 20 dancers, three couples emerge to dance pas de deux that show glimpses of the contrasting emotions in the score, from lyrical and romantic to playful, charming and lively. The ballet's title refers to the place in Greek mythology where ordinary souls spend life after death and John Macfarlane's set, which flows with the movement of the dancers, creates a sense of tranquillity and space.

News and features

• Your Reaction: What did you think of The Royal Ballet's Asphodel Meadows / The Two Pigeons?

  19 January 2019

  

  The Company's first mixed programme of 2019 brings together works by Scarlett and Ashton.

• Royal Opera House 2018/19 Season announced

  20 March 2018

  

  The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera's programme for the coming Season include world premieres, major new productions and classic revivals.

• Watch: Rehearsals for The Royal Ballet's Symphonic Dances

  24 April 2017

  

  Choreographer Liam Scarlett gives a glimpse of his new ballet set to Rachmaninoff's remarkable score.

• New Ballet Works Syndicate launched

  7 September 2012

  

  Supporters given opportunity to see work by Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon and Liam Scarlett develop.

• Glittering Prizes, Asphodel Meadows

  10 December 2010

  

  Liam Scarlett nominated for a South Bank Award