Coty presents
The Winter’s Tale Ballet in a Prologue and Three Acts
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Scenario: Chistopher Wheeldon and Joby Talbot Music: Joby Talbot Design: Bob Crowley Lighting Design: Natasha Katz Projection Design: Daniel Brodie Silk Effects Design: Basil Twist Staged by: Jacquelin Barrett
Premiere: The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, London, UK, April 10, 2014 The National Ballet of Canada Premiere: November 14, 2015
A co-production of The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Ballet (UK).
Lead philanthropic support for The Winter’s Tale is provided by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Richard M. Ivey, C.C., an anonymous friend of the National Ballet and The Producers’ Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, David Binet, Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.
Performance Dates: November 10 – 19, 2017 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Shakespeare’s fascinating late work The Winter’s Tale has always defied classification. With elements of tragedy, comedy and romance, it is a story of the deterioration of a marriage and the complex emotions that follow.
Christopher Wheeldon’s ballet version of the play embraces the full range of the play’s emotional life, featuring some of his most inventive and exuberant choreography to date. With an original score by Joby Talbot, designs by Bob Crowley and lighting by Natasha
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Katz, the same key creative team who gave us the unforgettable Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Winter’s Tale is a profound and searching drama of love and redemption and the spring that lies beneath even the darkest of days.
In 2014, Mr. Wheeldon was awarded The Critics’ Circle Award for Best Classical Choreography for The Winter’s Tale.
Quotes
“it takes us on a great arc of emotion and experience, capturing the play’s themes of death and regeneration, hostility and reconciliation... nothing in Mr. Wheeldon’s [The Winter’s Tale] is unworthy of the great original.” The New York Times
“With brutal choreography and dramatic intelligence, Christopher Wheeldon has turned Shakespeare’s problem play into a mind-snagging ballet.” The New Yorker
“fantastic production” New York Magazine
“Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale is that rare accomplishment: a brand new story ballet that speaks to today’s audience.” Dance Magazine
“From the first moment of people rushing onstage for a celebration, Christopher Wheeldon’s brilliant choreography and Joby Talbot’s enchanting music mesh together with flair… Wheeldon has taken this difficult play and turned it into a beautifully cogent, poignant ballet.” Dance Europe
“The Winter’s Tale dazzles with its visual drama, choreography.” The Washington Post
“ /4 An operatically epic Shakespearean ballet… a spectacular work that will stand the test of time” Toronto Star
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Nijinsky A Ballet by John Neumeier
Choreography, Sets*, Costumes* and Lighting Design: John Neumeier *based partly on original sketches by Léon Bakst and Alexandre Benois Music: Frédéric Chopin, Robert Schumann, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Dmitri Shostakovich
Premiere: The Hamburg Ballet, Hamburg, Germany, July 2, 2000 The National Ballet of Canada Premiere: March 2, 2013
Lead philanthropic support for Nijinsky is provided by The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, an anonymous friend of the National Ballet, The Volunteer Committee of The National Ballet of Canada and The Producers’ Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, David Binet, Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.
The Paris Tour is made possible with the generous support of The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C. and Gretchen Ross & Donald Ross, O.C.
The company`s Canadian tours are made possible with the generous support of The John and Margaret Bahen Fund of The National Ballet of Canada, Endowment Foundation.
Performance Dates: November 22 – 26, 2017 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
October 3 – 8, 2017 Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris, France
January 25 – 27, 2018 National Arts Centre, Ottawa
In addition to being one of contemporary choreography’s most important voices, John Neumeier is a world authority on the life and work of Vaslav Nijinsky. Who better, then, to
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create a work that delves into the mind and spirit of one of ballet’s most legendary figures? Renowned for his unforgettable stage presence, technique and groundbreaking approach to choreographic expression, Nijinsky shattered all prevailing notions of the male dancer as well as the limitations that convention had imposed on the range of dramatic possibilities in dance itself.
Neumeier’s Nijinsky is part memory-ballet and part biographical narrative, focusing on the key events and relationships of his life, his reflections on his art, his identity as a man and artist, and the tumultuous times in which he lived. Designing the sets, costumes and lighting as well as choreographing the work, Neumeier has created a moving and unforgettable ballet that charts the delicate line between genius and madness. Nijinsky is a brilliant homage to the man once known as “Le Dieu de la Danse”.
Quotes
“The National Ballet of Canada’s production of John Neumeier’s Nijinsky is a triumph on all fronts… the ballet is so complex that it will take many repeated performances to reveal its riches” The Globe and Mail
“A triumph of dramatic intensity… the National Ballet rises to the challenge of presenting John Neumeier’s Nijinsky, a spectacular, sprawling, surreal and often mind-bending homage to ballet’s most legendary male dancer.” Toronto Star
“Nijinsky soars to intense heights… richly detailed production” National Post
“Nijinsky is a powerful, deeply moving work that leaves an impression long after the curtain comes down.” Digital Journal.com
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TD Bank Group presents
The Nutcracker
Choreography and Libretto: James Kudelka, O.C. Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set and Costume Design: Santo Loquasto Lighting Design: Jennifer Tipton
Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, December 21, 1995
The Nutcracker is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lawrence & Ann Heisey and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.
The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges its collaboration with Canada's National Ballet School in the production of The Nutcracker.
This production is dedicated to Celia Franca and Betty Oliphant. With respect, admiration and gratitude. – JK
Performance Dates: December 9 – 30, 2017 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Created in 1995 by The National Ballet of Canada’s former Artistic Director James Kudelka, this richly choreographed version of the perennial Christmas classic is a holiday tradition. A refreshing version of the story, The Nutcracker is replete with the wonder and amazement of childhood dreams and the appeal of fantasy for adults and children alike.
Set in Imperial Russia, the sets by Santo Loquasto evoke an enchanted, rustic world of the past, complete with folk customs that magically evolve into the ice-encrusted world of the Snow Queen and the golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Underscored by Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, The Nutcracker is a gem of a ballet, a work that is at once deeply familiar and forever new.
Quotes
“ /4 The holiday season theatrical event by which all others must be judged.” The Toronto Star
“Remains as fresh as the day it premiered in 1995.” The Globe and Mail
“The National Ballet of Canada’s annual production of The Nutcracker is sheer delight.” Digital Journal
“The National Ballet’s Nutcracker is for kids from one to 92” National Post
“ /5 A magical Christmas tapestry weaved out of threads spun by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, author E.T.A. Hoffman, choreographer James Kudelka and designer Santo Loquasto.” 24 Hours
Thomson Reuters presents
The Dreamers Ever Leave You
Concept and Choreographer: Robert Binet Pianist and Composer: Lubomyr Melnyk Lighting Design: Simon Rossiter Costume Design: Robyn Clarke
Co-Produced by The National Ballet of Canada and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Premiere: Signy Eaton Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, August 31, 2016,
Lead philanthropic support for The Dreamers Ever Leave You is provided by The Producer’s Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, David Binet, Susanne Boyce & Brendan Mullen, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.
Performance Dates: February 28 – March 4, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
The Dreamers Ever Leave You is Robert Binet’s captivating response to the paintings of legendary Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris. Harris’ work is famous not just for distilling the austere beauty of Canada’s northern landscapes, but for conveying the deep, almost mystical power that those landscapes hold. Originally performed on site at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Binet seeks to replicate that same spiritual energy through the controlled physicality of the human body.
Mr. Binet is one of the most exciting of a new generation of young Canadian choreographers and has been Choreographic Associate with The National Ballet of Canada since 2013. In a short time, Mr. Binet has attracted keen attention both here and abroad with his wonderfully refined, distinctive and accomplished ballets.
Quotes
“The Dreamers Ever Leave You is a thrilling, immersive ballet…a remarkable and moving experience.” The Globe and Mail
“Binet [is] the National Ballet of Canada’s choreographic phenom” Toronto Star
“The Dreamers Ever Leave You stunningly captured the atmosphere of Harris’ work. Supple, fluid, stylized movement… bring the majesty, beauty, and sacredness of Harris’ iconic work to life through movement.” Mooney on Theatre
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Thomson Reuters presents
The Four Seasons
Choreography: James Kudelka, O.C. Music: Antonio Vivaldi Costume Design: TRAC Costume: Carmen Alie and Denis Lavoie Lighting Design: David Finn Projections and Scenic Effects: Chris Wise
Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, February 12, 1997
The Four Seasons is a gift from The Volunteer Committee, The National Ballet of Canada.
Performance Dates: February 28 – March 4, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
James Kudelka’s The Four Seasons is one of the most fervently admired and broadly embraced masterpieces in The National Ballet of Canada’s contemporary repertoire. Set to Vivaldi’s famous sequence of violin concerti, the work traverses the full range of experience in a man’s life, from the innocence of Spring, to the exuberance of Summer, to the reflective melancholy of Autumn, to Winter’s stark intimations of mortality. The Four Seasons is a powerful work of emotional breadth and breathtaking choreographic invention.
Quotes
“A masterpiece of our time… Only Mr. Kudelka can infuse passion into virtuosity in this way.” The New York Times
“simply the greatest Canadian contemporary ballet. Everything – Kudelka’s marriage of choreographer, music and theme – is perfection.” The Globe and Mail
“technically breathtaking…” Toronto Star
“A brilliant ballet, filled with complex and unexpected choreographic twists. The partnering is dazzling. And when Kudelka moves groups of dancers, it's mesmerizing – like being able to see a wind curling through a forest” Detroit Free Press
Thomson Reuters presents
Emergence
Choreography: Crystal Pite Staged by: Eric Beauchesne Original Score: Owen Belton Set Design: Jay Gower Taylor Costume Design: Linda Chow Lighting Design: Alan Brodie
Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, March 4, 2009
Emergence is generously supported by Gail Hutchison.
Performance Dates: February 28 – March 4, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Crystal Pite’s Emergence posits the instinct for social organization found in the insect realm as a precise metaphor for human interaction and purpose, with swarms and waves of dancers recreating in a dimly-lit, subterranean hive the intricate forms and patterns of life that seem to unite both the natural and human-made worlds.
Emergence was the sensation of the season when it premiered in 2009 and won four Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Choreography, Outstanding Performance and Outstanding Sound Design/Composition.
Quotes:
“A beautifully crafted, mysterious, impressionistic piece that captures the hidden world of insects, and can also stand as a metaphor for human existence.” The Globe and Mail
“A showstopper of a contemporary dance work” The Vancouver Sun
“brilliantly danced… Canadian choreographers have the right stuff, the right moves and the right nerve to make things happen.” Ballet Review
“Pite's Emergence offers a contemplation of human and insect activities – the swarm as social group; the hive as home – and makes its points well” Financial Times (UK)
The Sleeping Beauty
Produced, originally staged and with additional choreography: Rudolf Nureyev after Marius Petipa Staged by: Karen Kain, C.C. Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set and Costume Design: Nicholas Georgiadis Lighting Design: David Hersey
Premiere: Teatro alla Scala, Teatro alla Scala Opera House, Milan, Italy, September 22, 1966 The National Ballet of Canada Premiere: National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario September 1, 1972
The Sleeping Beauty is made possible by generous contributions from Margaret Fleck & Jim Fleck, O.C., The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Gretchen Ross and Nancy Pencer & Michael Benjamin.
Performance Dates: March 8 – 18, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Of all the full-length works in the repertoire, perhaps none embodies the exuberance, grace and technical virtuosity of classical ballet as does The Sleeping Beauty. Since its premiere in St. Petersburg in 1890, with a score by Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa, the ballet has continued to cast a spell over generations of audiences, dancers and choreographers with its strong narrative appeal and showstopping spectacle.
While many choreographers have adapted the ballet to their own purposes and visions over the decades, the version created by Rudolf Nureyev in 1966 stands out as being one of the most technically exciting and richly entertaining. Set on The National Ballet of Canada in 1972, it helped put the then still young company on the international ballet map, changing the fortunes and face of the company forever. Restaged by Artistic Director Karen Kain in 2006, The Sleeping Beauty is one of the National Ballet’s most treasured works and holds a singular place in the company’s history.
Quotes
“This Sleeping Beauty is a grand jewel in the National Ballet of Canada’s repertoire. Not only does it feature a treasure trove of classical riches it once again proves why this company is among the best in the world.” National Post
“ /4 With such dancing this Beauty never slumbers.” Toronto Star
“dazzling… the National Ballet glitters in this gem of a production.” The Globe and Mail
“NBC’s Sleeping Beauty remains among its most fully accomplished productions.” Pointe Magazine
World Premiere
BMO Financial Group Presents
Frame by Frame A ballet based on the work of Norman McLaren By Robert Lepage and Guillaume Côté
Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, June 1, 2018
Frame by Frame is a collaboration between The National Ballet of Canada, Ex Machina and The National Film Board of Canada.
Lead philanthropic support for Frame by Frame is provided by The Producers’ Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, David Binet, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.
Performance Dates: June 1 – 10, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
The legendary Canadian filmmaker and animator Norman McLaren set new standards for his art form throughout his long and illustrious career. Now, the playwright, director, actor and filmmaker Robert Lepage comes to The National Ballet of Canada for the first time to collaborate with Choreographic Associate Guillaume Côté in a multidisciplinary production that explores McLaren’s’ life and work.
Incorporating and interweaving several different media, the ballet is both an evocation of and inquiry into the world and imagination of one of Canada’s most uncategorizable and accomplished, yet elusive, artists.
Quotes:
“Fans of Robert Lepage have come to expect certain things from the French-Canadian theater maker: seductive storytelling, wry character observation and a stagecraft that lies somewhere between technical innovation and magic.” Variety
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“Robert Lepage [is a]…French-Canadian theatre visionary” The Australian
“I’ve come to greet each new Lepage creation with a tingle of anticipation, waiting to be wowed by his wizardry once again… To paraphrase another Canadian genius, Neil Young, long may he run.” The Globe and Mail
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Company Premiere
Paz de la Jolla
Choreographer: Justin Peck Staged by: Christian Tworzyanski Music: Bohuslav Martinů Costume Design: Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung Lighting Design: Mark Stanley
Premiere: New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, January 31, 2013 The National Ballet of Canada Premiere: June 16, 2018
Lead philanthropic support for Paz de la Jolla is provided by The Producers’ Circle.
The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, David Binet, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin & Roger Garland, Emmanuelle Gattuso and Allan Slaight, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Rosamond Ivey, Hal Jackman Foundation, Anna McCowan-Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Judith & Robert Lawrie, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Joan & Jerry Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan, Sandra Simpson and Noreen Taylor, C.M. & David Staines, C.M., O.Ont.
Performance Dates: June 16 – 22, 2018 Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
In his 2013 work Paz de la Jolla, New York City Ballet dancer and Resident Choreographer Justin Peck has created a heartfelt and sun-washed homage to his southern California upbringing. Set to Martinů’s Sinfonietta la Jolla, the ballet is a sweet-natured billet-doux to beach life and young love, the choreography both brisk and languid, salty and sensual, rich in emotional undercurrents and evocative of the pleasures and fears of youth and coming of age.
Quotes:
“After the triumph of his Year of the Rabbit in October, expectations soared like a kite on an updraft. [Paz de la Jolla] did not disappoint. [Mr. Peck]’s still flying.” – The New York Times
“Peck once again shows his skill with structure, group geometries, detailed ballet phrasing, and showcasing his peers to great advantage” – Dance Magazine
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“Paz de la Jolla is an immensely pleasing and satisfying ballet.” DanceTabs, 2013
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