∙ Martin Harvey Sandra Conley Orchestra of the conducted by Boris Gruzin

staged by Adolphe Adam Giselle is one of the great Romantic . This tale of the transcendental Giselle power of love over death is evocatively portrayed through ’s sensitive staging and John Macfarlane’s designs, which beautifully contrast Company the human and supernatural worlds. Choreographer Marius Petipa Orchestra Orchestra of the The ballet is about Giselle, a peasant girl, that has fallen in love with Count Royal Opera House Albrecht, who has told her he is a villager named Loys. Her discovery of his Conductor Boris Gruzin true identity has devastating consequences. Giselle kills herself. Distraught, Stage Director Peter Wright Albrecht wanders the forests – and discovers that Giselle has become one of the Wilis, shades of young women who died before their wedding day. The Wilis Giselle Alina Cojocaru dance all men that come across their path to death; but Giselle intercedes on Count Albrecht Johan Kobborg Albrecht’s behalf. Her forgiveness saves Albrecht and releases her from the Hilarion Martin Harvey Wilis, so that she may finally rest in peace. Berthe Sandra Conley Giselle has transformed the dance world when it was first performed in The Duke of Courland David Drew in 1841 and remains at the centre of the classical repertory. Although the Bathilde Genesia Rosato choreography and designs have undergone many changes over the years, the Wilfred Richard Ramsey essence of Giselle remains the same. Peter Wright’s production for The Royal Leader of the Hunt Ballet is based on Marius Petipa’s classic version, which was first staged in St Myrtha Marianela Nuñez Petersburg in 1884. Moyna Deirdre Chapman Zulme Isabel McMeekan The role of Giselle provides a dancer with many technical and dramatic challenges, from the character’s early love to her poignant descent into Video Director Ross MacGibbon madness and her final gesture of forgiveness from beyond the grave. The first act of the ballet is filled with historical detail and rustic colour. By contrast, the Length: 108' second act (known as the White Act) plunges the audience into an eerie moonlit Shot in HDTV 1080/50i forest haunted by the ethereal Wilis – vengeful spirits of young brides who Cat. no. A 020 50038 died before their wedding day. With its combination of memorable story and exquisite choreography, Giselle is the perfect way to discover . A production of Royal Opera House Covent Garden World Sales: All rights reserved · credits not contractual · Different territories · Photos: © Bill Cooper · Flyer: luebbeke.com Flyer: · Cooper contractual Bill Different Photos: © territories · credits not rights · All reserved ·

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