Press release Tokyo, January 30, 2018

Tour to Japan with three ballet productions by (Feb. 2-17) Performances of the Ballet in Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo and ROHM Theater, Kyoto

The Hamurg Ballet has started its eigthth tour to Japan during which the company will perform three ballet productions by John Neumeier from the 2nd until the 17th of February: “Lady of the Camellias”, “Nijinsky”, and “The World of John Neumeier”, a ballet gala with narration by the Chief Choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet himself.

During yesterday’s press conference in Tokyo, John Neumeier explained the artistic focus of the tour: “This time, we return to Japan with three works that are our most popular, one could even say: our classical works of the Hamburg Ballet. In my ballet ‘Lady of the Camellias’, our Japanese audience will have the opportunity to discover new casts: Alexandr Trusch will be making his debut in the role of Armand in Tokyo. His partner will be who also has not performed the entire ballet in Japan as yet.”

“Lady of the Camellias” is one of John Neumeier’s most famous ballets. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its creation, the Hamburg Ballet has been invited once more to perform this production in Japan. The moving love story of Marguerite Gautier and Armand Duval will be danced by Alina Cojocaru and Alexandr Trusch on the 2nd and 4th of February. On the 3rd of February Anna Laudere and Edvin Revazov will perform the main roles.

“Nijinsky” was the first major ballet which was created by John Neumeier after the turn of the millenium. Last year, it was recorded for a DVD production, and it will now be published exclusively in Japan during the Hamburg Ballet’s tour to this country.

The ballet gala “The World of John Neumeier“ will be performed not only in Tokyo, but also in Kyoto. In 2015, the Inamori Foundation awarded John Neumeier with the prestigious Kyoto Prize in the category “Arts and Philosophy”. The performance of the Hamburg Ballet in this city with its rich cultural history has been supported significantly by this renowned foundation.

Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo

„Lady of the Camellias“ Ballet by John Neumeier based on the novel by fils Conductor: Markus Lehtinen Pianist: Michal Bialk Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra Performances: February 2, 6.30 pm; February 3 and 4, 2.00 pm

„The World of John Neumeier“ Ballet gala by John Neumeier Narration: John Neumeier Recorded Music Performance: February 7, 7.00 pm

„Nijinsky“. Ballet by John Neumeier Recorded Music Performance: February 10, 11 and 12, 2.00 pm

Further Information: www.nbs.or.jp

ROHM Theater, Kyoto

„The World of John Neumeier“ Ballet gala by John Neumeier Narration: John Neumeier Recorded Music Performance: February 17, 2.00 pm

Further Information: www.rohmtheatrekyoto.jp

Press office of the Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier Dr. Jörn Rieckhoff (Head of Communications), Nathalia Schmidt, Frieda Fielers, Katerina Kordatou Tel. +49 (0)40 35 68 – 929/ -934 / - 916 [email protected]