The Australian Ballet returns to Royal Opera House this Summer
This summer, The Australian Ballet is set to make a triumphant return to the Royal Opera House after a 35-year absence, with a performance of George Balanchine's revered ballet masterpiece, Jewels.
Image: Jewels, The Australian Ballet. Photo by Simon Eeles.
The Australian Ballet is set to take centre stage in London's cultural calendar this summer with an announcement that George Balanchine's much-loved ballet triptych, Jewels, will be showcased at the Royal Opera House in August 2023 as part of the company's diamond jubilee/60th anniversary celebrations. This is a highly anticipated return to international touring for The Australian Ballet, led by Artistic Director David Hallberg, and the first time that Jewels will be performed on an international stage.
Jewels, a three-part full-evening ballet, is considered a cornerstone of the repertoire and a true masterpiece of the balletic art form. The opening Emeralds, set to the music of Gabriel Fauré, evokes the mystery and romance of 19th century Paris Opera Ballet, while Rubies, accompanied by Stravinsky's jazzy score, pays tribute to Balanchine's adopted home of New York, mingling Broadway with the burlesque. Finally, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 3 provides the backdrop to the glittering finale, Diamonds, a homage to the grand Mariinsky tradition that produced The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Each part of the ballet has equal beauty and power, making it the ideal work with which to introduce The Australian Ballet's dancers to UK audiences.
Image: Jewels, The Australian Ballet. Photo by Simon Eeles.
The Australian Ballet's ties with the UK are many and deep, with the company having performed in London on numerous occasions since its founding in 1962 by London-born Dame Peggy van Praagh. The 2023 London Tour will feature five performances of Jewels, along with a special one-off 60th Anniversary Gala performance showcasing the company's signature repertoire and curated by David Hallberg. The programme will feature works by Rudolf Nureyev and Yuri Possokhov alongside leading international and Australian contemporary choreographers, including a rare chance to experience work by Australian choreographer Alice Topp.
Image: The Australian Ballet. Photo by Kate Longley
Tickets for The Australian Ballet's London season go on sale from 13 April. This promises to be one of the most glamorous event of London's cultural calendar this summer, with over 90 dancers, musicians, wardrobe, medical, technical, production, and support staff making up the touring party. Don't miss this chance to witness one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies performing Jewels, an absolute feast for the balletic eye, at the iconic Royal Opera House.
Date: Jewels - 2- 5 August 2023, 60th Anniversary Celebration - 6 August 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £4 - £135. Book now.
