US premiere of Wheeldon and Talbot's 'The Winter's Tale' in DC next week!
15th January 2016
Karolina Kuras, The National Ballet of Canada
Based on the 1611 Shakespeare play of the same name, The Winter's Tale defies genre, combining comedy, tragedy, love, friendship, jealousy, and redemption in an epic tale. In three distinct acts, the story first falls down the dark spiral of King Leontes' all-consuming jealousy — the consequences of which are deeply tragic — followed by a seemingly hopeless love between the haves and have nots. Through remorse and redemption the story culminates with a joyous reconciliation. Talbot's score for The Winter's Tale perfectly complements the choreography, conveying deep emotions and beautifully telling the story.
The hallmark of Talbot's music is an irrepressible vitality — an energy and style that is, at every moment, balanced with a deeply poignant and often romantic sensibility; it is the interaction of these elements that gives Talbot's music such depth and appeal. Talbot's career comprehends a range of styles and purposes, including concert works as diverse as a trumpet concerto (Desolation Wilderness, 2006) for Alison Balsom and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; a 60-minute a cappella choral journey along the Camino de Santiago for Nigel Short's Tenebrae (Path of Miracles, 2005); arrangements of songs by Detroit rock duo The White Stripes alongside existing works for choreographer Wayne McGregor's Chroma (2006) at the Royal Ballet; and, as a co-commission with the Royal Ballet and National Ballet of Canada, the music for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (2010).
THE WINTER'S TALE — US Premiere
THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA
January 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 at The Kennedy Center
The Winter’s TaleBallet in a Prologue and Three Acts
Choreographer: Christopher WheeldonStaged by: Jacquelin Barrett and Anna Délicia Trévien from the Benesh Movement Notation scoreScenario: Christopher Wheeldon and Joby TalbotMusic: Joby TalbotSet & Costume Design: Bob CrowleyLighting Design: Natasha KatzProjection Design: Daniel BrodieSilk Effects Design: Basil Twist
A co-production of The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Ballet (UK).
