TOP 5 OPERA AND BALLET PERFORMANCES IN ENGLAND AND WALES
Ballet is theatrical, it can be used to narrate a story or to describe a concept, thought, or emotion. Ballet dance can be enchanting, enthralling, provocative, or unsettling.
Opera is a musical production that tells a dramatic story. Many people believe it is the most comprehensive art form since it incorporates all of the aspects of art, speech, music, drama, and dance.
AIDA - ELLEN KENT AND THE UKRAINIAN OPERA & BALLET THEATRE KYIV at St David's Hall, Cardiff
1st February 2023
Aida
The largest of all Ellen Kent's operas, Aida, makes a triumphant return to the UK with a gorgeous new traditional staging.
In Aida, the splendour of Egypt is contrasted with the magnificence of the Coliseum in Rome; Ellen Kent's direction was inspired by Euripides' ancient Greek dramas and symbolises the strong religious hold of Egypt's priests.
With the well-known arias "Celeste Aida," "Ritorna Vincitor," and the iconic "Triumphal March," along with a temple dance, cascades of glittering gold, and amazing fire performers, this tragic tale of war, jealousy, and retribution is brought to life. Aida is a beautiful Ethiopian slave girl, and Radames is an Egyptian hero. At its centre is their doomed love.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY At The royal opera house
16 JANUARY - 6 JUNE 2023
The Sleeping Beauty
The Sleeping Beauty has a very important place in the hearts and histories of The Royal Ballet. When the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden reopened in 1946 following World War II, it was the first performance the company had ever given. This original production was resurrected in 2006, and audiences have continued to enjoy it ever since. Famously, Frederick Ashton used the pristine classicism of Marius Petipa's ballet from the 19th century as a private instruction in the evocative art and craft of choreography. Enjoy this genuine jewel from the canon of classical ballet as Oliver Messel's lavish designs and Tchaikovsky's entrancing melody enchant you.
In this unique tour focused on The Sleeping Beauty, see how magic and fairytale characters are brought to life. A wonderful High Tea is served in addition to this hour-long tour.
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Swan Lake at The Lowry
2 March - 4 March 2023
Swan Lake
One of the world's best presentations of the most romantic ballet is back. Swan Lake, starring Peter Wright and Galina Samsova, is revived by Birmingham Royal Ballet, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia providing live accompaniment to Tchaikovsky's sublime choreography.
One night while out hunting, Prince Siegfried comes across a herd of elegant swans. The Prince is completely enamoured when one of them transforms into the stunning Odette. However, Odette explains that she is trapped by the feared Rothbart's horrible enchantment, which keeps her in swan form from dawn to sunset. Can Siegfried dispel the enchantment and open the way for real love? Learn more about it in this magnificent staging of a timeless ballet.
ROMEO AND JULIET at Hull New Theatre
25 July - 29 July 2023
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's classic tale of forbidden love receives a dazzling infusion of raw passion and youthful vibrancy in Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet. The two young lovers must risk everything to be together since they are bound against their choice by a society that attempts to divide them. Romeo and Juliet, a masterful retelling of a timeless story of adolescent discovery and the madness of first love, returned to the New Adventures repertoire alongside the very best of Bourne's renowned dance theatre productions in 2019. It received universal critical acclaim upon its premiere in 2019.
Featuring Terry Davies' exhilaratingly new orchestrations of Prokofiev's dynamic score, the production was directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne in collaboration with the New Adventures artistic team, including Etta Murfitt (Associate Artistic Director), Lez Brotherston (Set and Costume Design), Paule Constable (Lighting Design), Paul Groothuis (Sound Design), and Arielle Smith (Associate Choreographer).
Madama Butterfly at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
17 Mar 2023
Senbla, in collaboration with Opera International, presents an Ellen Kent production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly, with international singers, a highly praised orchestra. Welcoming back Elena Dee, a distinguished Korean soprano, and Alyona Kistenyova, a celebrated international soprano.
This award-winning opera returns in a new production with gorgeous sets, featuring a spectacular Japanese garden, and fabulous costumes, including antique bridal kimonos from Japan, thanks to great audience demand.
Puccini's Madama Butterfly is one of the world's most popular operas, telling the heartbreaking story of a beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American navy captain, with tragic repercussions. The melodious Humming Chorus, the emotional aria One Fine Day, and the iconic Love Duet are among the highlights.