Full programme

  • Delibes, Coppélia: Mazurka  (5mins)
  • Delibes, Sylvia: Pizzicati  (4mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake: White Swan Pas de Deux  (7mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake: Les Cygnets  (2mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker: Trepak  (2mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy  (3mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker: Waltz of the Flowers  (6mins)
  • Massenet, Manon: The Bedroom Pas de Deux  (6mins)
  • Tchaikovsky, The Sleeping Beauty: Waltz  (5mins)
  • (Interval)
  • Bliss, Checkmate: Dance of the Red Pawns  (3mins)
  • Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet: Introduction  (3mins)
  • Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet: Montagues and Capulets  (2mins)
  • Prokofiev, Cinderella: Cinderella's Waltz - Midnight  (5mins)
  • Copland, Rodeo: Hoe Down  (3mins)
  • Khachaturian, Spartacus: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia  (8mins)
  • Stravinsky, The Firebird: Infernal Dance  (4mins)
  • Stravinsky, The Firebird: Berceuse & Finale  (7mins)

Performers

  • Headshot of Martin Yates

    Martin Yates

    Conductor
  • Photograph of ballerina Zenaida Yanowsky

    Zenaida Yanowsky

    Presenter

Introduction

Welcome to an enchanting evening of classical ballet music. Tonight we embark on a journey through the timeless elegance and richness of ballet scores, where the grace of movement and the power of music have intertwined to captivated hearts and minds for centuries. From the delicate pas de deux to the dynamic ensemble numbers, every step is imbued with emotion and expression, creating a spectacle for the senses.

In this carefully curated program we pay homage to the rich history and tradition of classical ballet, showcasing masterpieces from great masters such as Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Stravinsky, which have left their indelible mark for all time. To this day, choreographers are still creating new versions of the classics such as “Swan Lake”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Firebird” amongst many others, each trying to carve their vision and take of the music.

As a dancer I consider myself privileged to have been part of such delicate collaborations between the choreographers and the composers, bringing a new dimension to the piece through my personal artistic expression. Hours upon hours of meticulous repetition to achieve a result that resonated with authenticity.

Now a retired dancer I sit immersed in the live orchestra and a vivid tapestry of imagery unfolds within my mind. Every note conjures a symphony of motion, dynamic and colour that dances before my eyes. The orchestra's performance is not merely heard but felt, as I thread the music to memories of the movement I used to embody.

Sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be swept away by the most magnificent array of ballet scores - and the best part is that you won’t have to wear any point-shoes or end up with sore toes!

Zenaida Yanowsky
Presenter