MEDIA KIT
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LI CUNXIN
SEASON
2015
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
SEASON 2015
La Sylphide
(The Sylph of the Highlands)
20 – 31 March
Playhouse, QPAC
Choreographer: Peter Schaufuss,
after August Bournonville
Composer: Herman Severin Løvenskjold
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Peter Pan
26 June – 11 July
Playhouse, QPAC
Choreographer: Trey McIntyre
Composer: Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Niel DePonte
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Sleeping Beauty
23 – 31 October
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Choreographer: Greg Horsman, after Marius Petipa
Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Nutcracker
11 - 23 December
Playhouse, QPAC
Choreographer: Ben Stevenson OBE
Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Dance Dialogues
28 August – 5 September
Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Coppélia
1 – 20 May
Queensland Regional Tour
Choreographer: Greg Horsman,
after Arthur Saint-Léon and Marius Petipa
Composer: Léo Delibes
Fairy tales are
back in fashion.
01
MEDIA KIT
MEDIA RELEASE
Strictly embargoed to 2pm Monday 22 September, 2014
Queensland Ballet announces Season 2015
Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director
Li Cunxin continues to dream big in his
third season for the Company, announcing
a program of four magical ballets by
celebrated international choreographers
for Season 2015.
The blockbuster ballet in 2015 will be Greg
Horsman’s production of The Sleeping
Beauty. Breaking box office records in 2011
in its première season by Royal New Zealand
Ballet, Horsman’s lavish ballet is technically
challenging and visually stunning, and will
look magnificent on QPAC’s Lyric Stage.
Queensland Ballet will perform Peter
Schaufuss’ La Sylphide, Trey McIntyre’s
Peter Pan, Greg Horsman’s The Sleeping
Beauty and Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker
in 2015.
Thanks to funding from the Queensland
Government’s Super Star Fund, The Sleeping
Beauty will feature performances from
international ballet star Alina Cojocaru and
a male star to be announced in the near future.
“I’m excited to bring these world-class
ballets to our audiences,” said Mr Li.
Born in Bucharest, Alina is a Principal Dancer
at the English National Ballet, and is regarded
as one of the best ballet dancers in the world.
“Not only will these works showcase the
artistry of our talented dancers, but I know
audiences will be swept away by these
timeless stories. Fairy tales are definitely
back in fashion.”
“Collaborating with these exceptional
dancers will cement Queensland Ballet’s
standing on the global stage, and we’re
grateful to the Queensland Government
for their support,” comments Mr Li.
The Company’s mainstage season begins
in March with an enduring Romantic
classic, La Sylphide. Faithful to the
August Bournonville tradition, Danish
choreographer Peter Schaufuss retells
the poignant story of impossible love in
a compelling and award-winning production.
Arts Minister Ian Walker said he was
delighted to see the Super Star Fund once
more bringing world class artists exclusively
to Queensland.
“This Fund is a win-win for Queenslanders,”
Mr Walker said. “We see performances from
the world’s best, and our own stars get to
perform and learn from super stars.
Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan will be on every
family’s wish list for the school holidays in
June. Based on JM Barrie’s famous tale,
Peter Pan will transport audiences into a
fantastical dream world of fairies, mermaids
and pirates. This ballet is a brilliant mix of
dance and theatre, with sword fights, giant
puppets and characters who literally fly.
“Our dancers have incredible opportunities,
audiences get to enjoy the performances,
and cultural dollars flow into Queensland.
“The last Super Star supported Queensland
Ballet production was Sir Kenneth
MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet which broke
a 54-year box office record, and was seen
by more than 15,000 people. We hope The
Sleeping Beauty achieves similar success.”
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MEDIA KIT
MEDIA RELEASE
The Christmas tradition of Ben Stevenson’s
The Nutcracker will continue in December.
Gorgeous sets, costumes and stunning dance
combined with Tchaikovsky’s evocative score
make this performance the perfect festive
entertainment for families.
“We have such a treasure in this company,
and I’m sure that La Sylphide will receive a
rapturous reception at London’s Coliseum
Theatre. The Federal Government is
delighted to play a part in making this
international tour possible.”
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra
will perform with the Company for all
four ballets. Music Director and Principal
Conductor Andrew Mogrelia will conduct
Herman Severin Lovenskjold’s La Sylphide;
Sir Edward Elgar’s score arranged by
Niel DePonte’s for Peter Pan; and Pyotr
Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
Nigel Gaynor will conduct Tchaikovsky’s
The Sleeping Beauty.
Full season ticket buyers will have access
to buy tickets to the Company’s intimate
Dance Dialogues studio season. Audiences
will have the opportunity to see brand new
works created by emerging choreographers,
including dancers from Queensland Ballet.
Patrons who purchase full season ticket
packages before 14 November could also win
a trip to London to see the Company perform
La Sylphide at the Coliseum Theatre.
In August the Company will make their
London debut with six performances of
Peter Schaufuss’ La Sylphide at London’s
Coliseum Theatre.
Queensland Ballet’s season tickets go on sale
at 2pm on Monday 22 September, and are the
best way to see ballet in 2015. Season ticket
buyers can choose two or more productions;
can save up to 30% on regular tickets; access
priority booking; and receive invitations to
private information evenings.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to
perform in London, and we hope that we will
make Queenslanders proud of their state
ballet company,” said Mr Li.
Regional Queensland audiences can enjoy
the comic ballet of Greg Horsman’s Coppélia
in 2015. Queensland Ballet is committed
to enriching the lives of regional audiences
through ballet, and will be touring to six
regional venues in May: Toowoomba,
Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay,
Townsville and the Gold Coast.
“This international tour wouldn’t be possible
without the generous support of the Federal
Government and our Principal Partner QGC.”
Federal Arts Minister, Senator the Honourable
George Brandis QC is very pleased that
Queensland Ballet will be flying the flag for
Australian arts in the UK next year.
Media Enquiries
Publicist & Digital Content Producer
Natasha Spong
P 07 3013 6666 M 0424 202 147
E [email protected]
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MEDIA KIT
La Sylphide
The Sylph of the Highlands
20–31 March
Woken on his wedding morning by a
beautiful, winged sylph, the Scotsman
James is utterly bewitched.
Venue
Elusive and playful, she professes her love for him. James’s
obsessive pursuit of the otherworldly creature leads him to
abandon his fiancée and follow the sylph into the dangerous
realm of the forest sprites. Here, he realises that in reaching
for unattainable love, he has lost everything.
La Sylphide was adapted by August Bournonville in
1836 from an earlier French ballet. It is a captivating work
which remains one of the most loved Romantic ballets to
this day. This production from Danish choreographer
Peter Schaufuss embraces the characteristic Bournonville
style of graceful, seemingly effortless dance, performed
with great dramatic impact.
Friday 20 March
7.30pm
Saturday 21 March
1.30pm
COMPANY CLASS
7.30pm
Tuesday 24 March
6.30pm
Wednesday 25 March
7.30pm
Thursday 26 March
7.30pm
Friday 27 March
7.30pm
Playhouse, QPAC
Dates & times
Saturday 28 March
1.30pm
7.30pm
Tuesday 31 March
COMPANYAUDIO
CLASSDESCRIBED
6.30pm
Single ticket prices
Choreographer Peter Schaufuss,
after August Bournonville
Composer Herman Severin Løvenskjold
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andrew Mogrelia
Stagers Janette Mulligan and Mary Li
Set & Costume Designer David Walker
Lighting Designer Steen Bjarke
Impossible
love
POST Q&A
Adult $95
Concession $80
30 yrs & under $60
Child $50
Family $240
An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.
La Sylphide will tour to London’s Coliseum Theatre in
August 2015, supported by the Australian Government,
Queensland Government and BG Group.
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MEDIA KIT
LA SYLPHIDE
The Music
Choreographer –
Peter Schaufuss
It had been Bournonville’s intention to use
Schneitzhöffer’s original score for his La Sylphide, but
when it proved too expensive to acquire, he turned to
19-year old Herman Severin Løvenskjold, a talented
pianist and fledgling composer. The score became one
of Løvenskjold’s greatest successes, combining a sense
of narrative and character leitmotifs with lively dance
sequences.
It is said that Bournonville’s decision to use
Løvenskjold’s music had met with some opposition;
some detractors had planned to boo it at the première,
but ultimately the music was so lovely that the protest
never materialised. It is now the oldest Romantic
ballet score still being performed.
Peter Schaufuss trained at the Royal Danish Ballet
School from age seven. He joined the Royal Danish
Ballet, and went on to dance with National Ballet
of Canada as a soloist and London Festival Ballet
as principal dancer. He established himself as an
international guest dancer in companies including
the Kirov, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet
and the Royal Ballet. He also worked with New York
City Ballet and George Balanchine, who created two
ballets for him. Roland Petit, Sir Kenneth MacMillan
and Sir Frederick Ashton have also choreographed
specifically for Schaufuss.
Schaufuss has produced Bournonville’s
Folktale, Napoli and La Sylphide, in addition to
Giselle, and the Tchaikovsky trilogy of Swan Lake,
The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker for many
The History
August Bournonville’s La Sylphide is an adaptation
of an 1832 French ballet of the same name.
The original work showcased the technique of the
great ballerina Maria Taglioni and heralded a new
Romantic era of dance.
Bournonville was the first choreographer to
recreate La Sylphide, and it is his version from 1836
that has survived; it remains one of the oldest ballet
works still regularly performed. Its story derives
from the Romantic Period, in particular, from the
stories of French writer Charles Nodier. In Nodier’s
view, life would invariably “fluctuate between bliss
and despair; the dream cannot be sustained for very
long” and sorrow was “the only logical alternative to
ecstasy, the only emotion to carry similar intensity”.
From this polarised world-view came the Romantic
concept of an unfortunate hero, forever chasing an
elusive, supernatural force and ultimately facing
a tragic destiny.
companies in Europe and America, including
Deutsche Oper Berlin, National Ballet of Canada,
English National Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet,
Stuttgart Ballet, Vienna Opera Ballet, Roland
Petit Ballet Company, Zurich Ballet and Ballet
West (USA). He has also created his own ballet
of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Schaufuss has worked as dancer, director and
choreographer in a number of television programs,
and has had his own four-part television serial for the
BBC. He has won a number of international awards in
recognition of his contribution to ballet, including the
Olivier and The Evening Standard Awards. In 1988,
he was knighted in Denmark, and in 1995 was made
an Officer of the Belgian Order of La Couronne.
Schaufuss has held the positions of Director
of London Festival Ballet (now English National
Ballet), where he founded the English National
Ballet School, Berlin Ballet at Deutsche Oper Berlin
and the Royal Ballet in Copenhagen, and established
his own company, the Peter Schaufuss Ballet,
in Holstebro, Denmark.
Schaufuss’s company has toured his
Tchaikovsky trilogy of ballets extensively within
Denmark and internationally to Spain, Germany,
Norway, Edinburgh, London, Paris, Istanbul and
Hong Kong to great public and critical acclaim.
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MEDIA KIT
Peter Pan
26 June–11 July
Take the hand of Peter Pan and come
on a journey to Neverland…
Venue
Playhouse, QPAC
Dates & times
Wendy and her two brothers literally fly into the adventure
of a lifetime when Peter Pan leads them to a fantastical
dream world of fairies, mermaids, pirates, and one very
large crocodile.
With swashbuckling swordfights, giant puppets and
breathtaking flying sequences, Trey McIntyre’s Peter Pan
uses a brilliant mix of dance and theatre to tell the tale of the
boy who wouldn’t grow up. Told from a child’s perspective,
this imaginative, poignant ballet re-interprets JM Barrie’s
famous story with wit, verve and a distinctly modern spirit.
Peter Pan may not have grown up, but his story has.
7.30pm
Saturday 27 June
1.30pm
7.30pm
Thursday 2 July
7.30pm
POST Q&A
Friday 3 July
1.30pm
7.30pm
Saturday 4 July
1.30pm
7.30pm
Wednesday 8 July
1.30pm
7.30pm
Choreographer Trey McIntyre
Composer Sir Edward Elgar,
arranged by Niel DePonte
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andrew Mogrelia
Stagers Dawn Scannell and James Payne
Set Designer Thomas Boyd
Costume Designer Jeanne Button
AUDIO
DESCRIBED
POST Q&A
Friday 10 July
1.30pm
7.30pm
Saturday 11 July
1.30pm
7.30pm Single ticket prices
Adult $95
Concession $80
30 yrs & under $60
Child $50
Family $240
Co-presented with Suncorp.
Escape to
Neverland
Friday 26 June
An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.
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MEDIA KIT
QB FRIENDS
CLOSING
NIGHT PARTY
PETER PAN
The Music
The History
Peter Pan is set to a score of music by English
composer, Sir Edward Elgar (1857 – 1934),
arranged by American-born Niel DePonte.
Elgar was arguably the leading English
composer of his generation, and a significant
figure among late Romantic European
musicians. Known for his ability to combine
nobility and spirituality with a popular style,
Elgar’s canon includes large scale works and
dozens of lighter pieces, each finely crafted
and distinguished by melodic charm.
To create the score for Peter Pan,
DePonte searched for compositions by Elgar
that were beautiful and evocative, but not
necessarily widely known. The final score
features all or part of 22 pieces by Elgar,
including Wand of Youth, Suites 1 & 2 for
the opening scenes of Act I; and In the
South Overture for Peter’s victory over
Captain Hook in Act III.
Speaking about his decision to avoid
using the most familiar Elgar melodies,
DePonte says, “You will not hear excerpts
from either the Enigma Variations, or Pomp
and Circumstance March. The reason for
this is twofold. First, an audience might
already associate this music with specific
visual imagery, and I didn’t want those
associations to transfer over to Peter Pan.
Second, I wanted an opportunity to
introduce audiences to the ‘other’ Elgar –
the one whose violin solo from the Crown of
India Suite (heard during Peter and Wendy’s
2nd Act pas de deux) is breathtakingly,
achingly, beautiful.”
The story of Peter Pan is over 100 years old.
Every child since its creation can practically
tell you a version of the story from memory.
The widely popular story, written by JM
Barrie, has been represented by many art
forms including movies, cartoons, television,
ballet, musical theatre and fine art. In 1904,
Barrie staged a children’s play that was hugely
successful. He donated the copyright and all
of the proceeds to the Great Ormond Street
Hospital for Sick Children so that generations
of children could receive help and continue
to grow. His original production is still
performed to this day.
The ballet is relatively new and today,
there are many versions of Peter Pan being
performed. Many productions exist with
entirely different music and choreography,
but one thing remains the same – the story
(with minor variations). The ballet is just
as colourful and exciting as the story itself.
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MEDIA KIT
The
Sleeping
Beauty
23–31 October
The fabled story of the sleeping princess
is one of ballet’s most loved classics.
Venue
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Dates & times
At her 16th birthday party, Princess Aurora pricks her
finger on a rose thorn and succumbs to a spell cast upon
her at her christening by the wicked fairy Carabosse.
The Lilac Fairy intervenes and causes an enchanted sleep
to descend upon the palace. After one hundred years,
Aurora is woken from her slumber by a Prince’s gentle kiss,
and joyous celebrations follow.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous music, The Sleeping Beauty
is a classical masterpiece. With majestic sets and
Renaissance-inspired costumes, Greg Horsman’s
production honours tradition and sparkles with spectacular
choreography and a cast of fanciful characters.
The Sleeping Beauty is a must-see for all who love
the art of classical ballet.
Friday 23 October
7.30pm
AUDIO
Saturday 24 October
1.30pm
DESCRIBED
7.30pm
Tuesday 27 October
6.30pm
POST Q&A
Wednesday 28 October 7.30pm
Thursday 29 October
7.30pm
Friday 30 October
7.30pm
Saturday 31 October
1.30pm
7.30pm
Single ticket prices
Adult $80–$130
Concession $70–$115
30 yrs & under $55–$85
Child $45–$75
Family $240–$310
Choreographer Greg Horsman,
after Marius Petipa
Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Nigel Gaynor
Set & Costume Designer Gary Harris
Lighting Designer Jon Buswell
An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.
A spellbinding
fairy tale
Presented in association with QPAC.
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MEDIA KIT
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
From the Choreographer
The History
“The Sleeping Beauty was the first ballet I saw
performed. I was 12 years old, and it proved
to be an event that would set my path in life.
I knew from that moment on I was going to
be a dancer.
Petipa’s choreography for The
Sleeping Beauty offers some of the greatest
challenges in the classical repertoire for the
principals and soloists. Aurora is probably
the greatest ballerina role, demanding great
athletic ability combined with the purest
of classical technique.
My goals in staging this revered
ballet were to make as rich a production as
possible, to keep what is essential, and to
choreographically blend new elements with
the traditional ones. I’ve tried to allow the
work to entertain without losing sight of its
great history and significance, and to tell
the story in a way that an audience today
will find engaging.”
In 1888, Ivan Vsevolozhsky, Director of the
Imperial Theatres in St Petersburg, wrote
a scenario based on Charles Perrault’s
fairy tale, La Belle au Bois Dormant. He
commissioned Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to
write the music for the ballet. Tchaikovsky
readily accepted, and was by all accounts
highly pleased with his endeavours, placing
the music for The Sleeping Beauty amongst
his finest work.
Vsevolozhsky entrusted the
choreography to Marius Petipa, maître de
ballet at the Imperial School. Petipa played
the score repeatedly on the piano until he had
completely immersed himself in the music,
and frequently sought Tchaikovsky’s advice
as he worked on the choreography. The ballet
is a happy example of a fruitful collaboration
between composer and choreographer.
The cast for the opening performance
included Carlotta Brianza as Aurora,
Paul Gerdt as Prince Charming and Enrico
Cecchetti, who scored a double triumph in
the roles of Carabosse and the Blue Bird.
Petipa himself also danced a small role in
the original production.
The Sleeping Beauty premièred in
January, 1890 at the Maryinsky Theatre in
St Petersburg. By 1903, it was the second most
popular ballet in the repertory of the Imperial
Ballet, having been performed 200 times
in only ten years. 30 years later, Diaghilev’s
Ballets Russes brought The Sleeping Beauty to
the West - revised, re-designed by Léon Bakst,
and titled The Sleeping Princess.
G RE G H ORSMA N
Choreographer
09
MEDIA KIT
The
Nutcracker
11–23 December
Bring the whole family to enjoy this
delightful Christmas ballet.
Venue
Playhouse, QPAC
Dates & times
At midnight on Christmas Eve, little Clara begins a magical
journey into a wondrous world of toys who come to life,
King Rat and his giant mice, delicate dancing snowflakes
and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, who reigns over the
Kingdom of Sweets.
Ben Stevenson’s much-loved production of
The Nutcracker has quickly become a seasonal tradition
in Brisbane. Gorgeous sets and costumes and stunning
dance combine with Tchaikovsky’s evocative music to
make The Nutcracker the perfect festive entertainment.
7.30pm
Saturday 12 December
7.30pm
Tuesday 15 December
1.30pm
6.30pm
Thursday 17 December
1.30pm
7.30pm
Friday 18 December
7.30pm
Saturday 19 December
1.30pm 7.30pm
Choreographer Ben Stevenson obe
Tuesday 22 December
1.30pm
6.30pm
Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andrew Mogrelia
Set Designer Thomas Boyd
Costume Designer Desmond Healy
Associate Costume Designer Noelene Hill
Lighting Designer David Walters
A family
Christmas
favourite
Friday 11 December
Wednesday 23 December
1.30pm
7.30pm
Single ticket prices
Adult $95
Concession $80
30 yrs & under $60
Child $50
Family $240
An additional transaction fee of $6.20 applies.
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MEDIA KIT
THE NUTCRACKER
The History
The Choreographer –
Ben Stevenson obe
The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet,
originally choreographed by Marius
Petipa and Lev Ivanov, with a score by
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The libretto is adapted from ETA
Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and
the Mouse King. It premièred at the
Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg
on 18 December 1892.
Although the original production was
not a success, the short orchestral suite that
Tchaikovsky extracted from the ballet score
found instant public appeal. The complete
Nutcracker ballet has enjoyed enormous
popularity since the late 1960s and is now
performed by countless ballet companies
across the world, primarily during the
Christmas season.
Ben Stevenson served as Artistic Director
of Houston Ballet from 1976-2003, raising
the company to an internationally
acclaimed ensemble.
For his contributions to international
dance, Ben was named an Officer of the Order
of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999. In 2000,
he was presented with the Dance Magazine
Award. In 2003, he was appointed Artistic
Director Emeritus of Houston Ballet, and
the company’s affiliated school was renamed
Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy.
Born in England, Ben received his dance
training at the Arts Educational School in
London. He appeared with Sadler’s Wells
Royal Ballet and English National Ballet
where, as a Principal Dancer, he performed
leading roles in all the classics.
In 1967, English National Ballet asked
him to stage his first production, The Sleeping
Beauty, which starred Margot Fonteyn.
In 1968, Rebekah Harkness invited him to
New York to direct the newly formed
Harkness Youth Dancers. After
choreographing Cinderella in 1970 for
the National Ballet in Washington DC, he
joined the company in 1971 as co-director.
Ben has received numerous awards for his
choreography, including gold medals at the
International Ballet Competitions of 1972,
1982, and 1986.
In July 2003, Ben assumed the artistic
directorship of Texas Ballet Theater.
In Season 2013, Queensland Ballet
presented Ben’s celebrated production
of Cinderella, his award-winning short
work, Three Preludes and The Nutcracker.
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MEDIA KIT
Dance
Dialogues
Exclusive full package bonus
28 August–5 September
Upgrade your Full season ticket by
choosing to add Dance Dialogues.
Venue
Experience the excitement of seeing brand new works
created by emerging choreographers, including dancers
from our Company, and discover how these creative artists
seek to express their ideas through dance.
Dance Dialogues will get you up close to new
talent – some of the short works will be performed by the
accomplished young dancers of our Jette Parker Young Artist
Dates & times
Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Friday 28 August
7.30pm
Saturday 29 August
1.30pm
7.30pm
Program and Pre-Professional Program.
Also witness a working rehearsal with Artistic
staff coaching dancers in excerpts of repertoire for
upcoming performances.
Tuesday 1 September
6.30pm
Wednesday 2 September
7.30pm
Thursday 3 September
7.30pm
Friday 4 September
7.30pm
Saturday 5 September
1.30pm 7.30pm
Dance Dialogues is only available to
Full season ticket buyers.
Fresh talent,
new work
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MEDIA KIT
Coppélia
Queensland Regional Tour
1–20 May
Two bickering young lovers create
comic chaos in Dr Coppélius’s
mysterious workshop.
Dates, times & venues
Toowoomba
Friday 1 May
Empire Theatre
7.30pm
Gladstone
Tuesday 5 May
7pm
Gladstone Entertainment Centre
Franz and Swanilda are both curious about the beautiful
girl who they have seen on Dr Coppélius’s balcony. Jealous
of Franz’s apparent romantic interest, Swanilda sneaks
into the doctor’s house to confront her rival. To her great
surprise, she finds that Coppélia is not what she seems.
When Doctor Coppélius and Franz arrive, the resourceful
Swanilda decides to become a real, living doll.
Choreographer Greg Horsman has drawn on real-life
stories of 19th century German immigrants to the South
Australian town of Hahndorf to create a touching and witty
Coppélia. With its endearing characters, joyful dance and
the charming music of Léo Delibes, this is a delightfully
enjoyable ballet.
Rockhampton
Friday 8 May Pilbeam Theatre
7.30pm
Mackay
Wednesday 13 May 7pm
Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Townsville
Saturday 16 May 7pm
Townsville Civic Theatre
Gold Coast
Wednesday 20 May 7pm The Arts Centre Gold Coast
Choreographer Greg Horsman,
after Arthur Saint-Léon and Marius Petipa
Composer Léo Delibes
Set Designer Hugh Colman
Costume Designer Noelene Hill
Lighting Designer Jon Buswell
Visit queenslandballet.com.au for regional tour
booking information.
The 2015 tour of Coppélia is supported by the Queensland Government’s
Playing Fund — Boost to Touring.
A co-production with West Australian Ballet.
Laughter & delightful mayhem
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MEDIA KIT
COPPÉLIA
The Story
Act 2
In 1878, Dr Coppélius and his daughter Coppélia are
migrating to South Australia, where he will be the
doctor in the small German settlement of Hahndorf.
During the long voyage to Australia,
Coppélia’s fragile health deteriorates and she dies
in her father’s arms.
Swanilda and her friends discover that Coppélia
is in fact a life-size doll. When Dr Coppélius returns
and drives the girls out in a rage, Swanilda manages
to hide. Franz enters the workshop by climbing
up a ladder.
Seizing the new intruder, Dr Coppélius tries
to use Franz’s spirit to give life to his precious
mechanical doll. Playfully masquerading as Coppélia,
Swanilda dupes the doctor into thinking that his
dearest wish has come true.
Act 1
In Hahndorf, Dr Coppélius is grief-stricken and
shuts himself off from the townspeople, despite their
entreaties for his medical help. When he smashes his
daughter’s mechanical toy, he is suddenly struck by an
idea which could restore his beloved Coppélia to him.
Five years later, Swanilda and her friend Mary
are intrigued by a beautiful young woman, Coppélia,
sitting on Dr Coppélius’s balcony. When she blows
a kiss to Franz and he enthusiastically returns the
gesture, Swanilda is enraged.
Mr Angus, a wealthy landowner, tells the
gathered townspeople that the new church bell has
arrived, and the Pastor announces that it will be hung
and dedicated on Sunday morning. The gathering is
interrupted by a cacophony of noise and strange lights
in Dr Coppélius’s house.
Swanilda tests Franz’s faithfulness by the
tradition of listening to an ear of wheat – if the wheat
whispers, her beloved is true. Unhappily, the wheat is
silent. The older folk encourage the young people to
dance with them in the style of their forebears, and
soon everyone in the town is dancing together.
As night falls, Dr Coppélius emerges. He is
teased by a group of boys, and unknowingly drops his
house key. Finding the key, Swanilda urges her friends
to enter his house. Franz has a similar idea.
Act 3
The new church bell is hung with great ceremony.
Having escaped from Dr Coppélius’s workshop,
Swanilda and Franz are telling Mary and Henry of
their adventure, when they are confronted by an angry
Dr Coppélius, clutching his lifeless doll. In the scuffle
which follows, Mary is knocked to the ground.
Shocked, Dr Coppélius revives Mary and makes
his peace with the townspeople. Franz proposes to
Swanilda, who joyfully accepts, and all join in the
celebrations.
The Music
The music of Coppélia scintillates with a brilliant
succession of lovely and original melodies.
It was the first full-length ballet score by
composer Léo Delibes, and is arguably his most
outstanding achievement. Delibes wrote the music
for only one other full-length ballet: Sylvia (1876);
he was more inclined to write for opera, with Lakmé
(1883) being his most famous work in this genre.
The score for Coppélia successfully combines
pure ballet music (i.e. music that is written solely for
dance and cannot stand alone in its own right) with
attractive, light dramatic music. It is both tuneful
and highly effective for the narrative, with the czardas
and mazurka being amongst the most popular dance
tunes of all time.
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SEASON TICKET PACKAGES
Full Package
La Sylphide
Peter Pan
The Sleeping Beauty
The Nutcracker
Full Package Optional Extra
Dance Dialogues
Full Package Prices*
Adult $290
Concession $250
30 yrs & under $205
Child $165
*Excluding optional extras
Choice Package
Choose two or more from:
La Sylphide
Peter Pan
The Sleeping Beauty
The Nutcracker
Two-Ballet Choice Package Prices*
Adult from $160
Concession from $140
30 yrs & under from $110
Child from $90
*Additional fees and charges apply
Bookings
Online
queenslandballet.com.au
Phone
Qtix 136 246
Mon–Sat, 9am–8pm
In Person
Qtix Ticket Sales Counter
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Cnr Melbourne & Grey Streets
South Bank, Brisbane
Mon–Sat, 9am–8.30pm
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ABOUT QUEENSLAND BALLET
Queensland Ballet is a vibrant, creative
company which connects people and dance
across Queensland.
Season 2015 is the third season under
the artistic direction of Li Cunxin. An
internationally acclaimed ballet dancer
and author of the best-selling autobiography,
Mao’s Last Dancer, Li Cunxin leads
an ensemble of dedicated and highly
accomplished, classically-trained dancers.
Queensland Ballet offers a program of
world-class productions of the best classical
ballets and inspired contemporary dance
works, engaging renowned choreographers
and designers from around the world. The
Company also nurtures emerging local talent,
showcasing exciting new works in the Dance
Dialogues studio series.
Each year, Queensland Ballet presents
up to 100 performances in Brisbane and
tours to regional Queensland. The excellent
facilities at the Company’s home in the
Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End
allow us to offer a full range of training and
community access programs, including public
dance classes. We are committed to providing
a pathway for young talent through our
Pre-Professional, Senior and Junior Programs.
Queensland Ballet is dedicated to
the pursuit of artistic excellence, dance
education and innovative presentation of
classical repertoire. With bold and confident
ambitions for the future, Queensland Ballet
proudly build upon the legacy of many
creative and gifted artists who have been part
of the Company’s rich history.
Board Brett Clark (Chair), Justice David
Thomas (Deputy Chair), Winna Brown,
Dawid Falck, Peter Godber, Catriona
Mordant, Assoc. Prof. Gene Moyle,
Amanda Talbot
Artistic Director Li Cunxin
Chief Executive Officer Anna Marsden
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DISCOVER MORE
Queensland Ballet want to better
connect you with the art presented
on stage, and with what happens
backstage. Here are a few ways you
can discover more and get to know
the Company better:
Post-Performance Q&A
After selected performances at QPAC, a panel
of creative artists and dancers discusses
aspects of the ballet you’ve just seen.
Pre-Performance Company Class
Patrons at select matinee performances at
QPAC are welcome to watch our dancers take
their daily warm-up class on stage.
Information Evenings
Season ticket buyers are invited to exclusive
information evenings before a production
opens. Hear all about the process of bringing
a ballet to the stage directly from those who
have created it.
Storytellers in the Foyer
Before performances of Peter Pan,
The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker
(excluding opening nights), storytellers will
read these classic tales to children.
Complimentary Programs
Informative, keepsake programs are
distributed free-of-charge at all performances.
Follow Us Online
Queensland Ballet post daily news and photos
on our Facebook page and regularly upload
new content to the QB website, including
fascinating behind-the-scenes videos and
background information on productions.
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LEARN, DANCE, GROW
Dance can inspire a variety
of physical, social and creative
benefits when it’s integrated
into a healthy lifestyle or is part
of a student’s education.
At Queensland Ballet, we are
always seeking new opportunities
to encourage our community
to get up and dance!
Tutu Day
Join us on 1 February 2015 at Tutu Day – a celebration
of all things ballet! Ballet classes, stage hair and makeup demonstrations, costume and set model displays,
jumping castles, face painting, building tours and
more will provide you and your family an entertaining
insight into the world of Queensland Ballet. This free
event is ideal for little and big ballet fans alike.
Adult Dance Classes
Weekly classes in ballet, Pilates and contemporary
dance are a great way to boost your fitness. With the
focus on fun, classes are open to anyone aged from 16
years to mature adults. Each is designed to increase
fitness, flexibility and co-ordination in a friendly and
relaxed environment.
During the year, special Ballet Basics and Ballet
Boot Camp programs are offered to fast-track your
progress, and frequent guest teachers bring their
own style and expertise to regular classes.
See the weekly dance class schedule at
queenslandballet.com.au/danceclasses.
Our education programs provide life-long learning
experiences and engagement with ballet across the
state. To learn more about what we are working on,
please visit queenslandballet.com.au.
School & Studio Programs
Queensland Ballet is committed to supporting dance
education for both teachers and students.
We have created some highly enjoyable activities
for students, including dance workshops in schools
around the state. The teaching artists in our EdSquad
deliver ballet, creative movement and repertoire
workshops which offer fun, safe, and engaging dance
experiences for all ages and abilities.
To encourage students to experience a live
performance, school and studio groups are offered
reduced ticket prices ($25 per student*, 1 teacher
free per 10 students). Teachers are provided with
curriculum-relevant resources, and can choose
to enhance their students’ ballet appreciation by
attending a Q&A session after select performances.
For school group bookings to performances
in Brisbane, phone the Qtix School Group Hotline
on 07 3840 7127.
Discover the many ways to introduce
and experience the joy of dance with us at
queenslandballet.com.au or email
[email protected].
Dance For Parkinson’s
Dance for PD ® is a specialised program for people
living with Parkinson’s Disease which taps into dance
movements to improve physical and cognitive activity.
Participants in the classes also benefit from the
wonderful sense of community which develops in this
supportive and welcoming environment.
Queensland Ballet offers weekly dance classes
for people affected by Parkinson’s. The classes are
inspired by the Company’s repertoire and have
musical accompaniment by a live pianist. People at all
levels of mobility and ability are welcome and carers,
partners and friends are encouraged to participate.
No dance experience is necessary.
For more information, visit queenslandballet.
com.au/danceforparkinsons or phone 07 3013 6666.
*Available for Brisbane performances only. $14 group
transaction fee applies.
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TRAINING PROGRAMS
Developing the artists of the future has always been a part
of Queensland Ballet’s vision.
Our aim is to provide a clear career pathway
through intensive training, and to produce young
ballet dancers whose talents and abilities are
internationally sought-after.
Training programs are supervised by Artistic
Director, Li Cunxin and Director of Training,
Christian Tátchev. Admission to all training
programs is by audition.
Senior Program
Jette Parker Young Artist Program
Junior Program
The Jette Parker Young Artist Program fosters the
talents of gifted young dancers at the start of their
professional careers. Young Artists receive coaching
to refine their technique, have access to performance
opportunities (including as part of the Company
ensemble) and enjoy elite mentoring.
Junior Programs 1 to 3 focus on further developing
the skills of talented dancers aged between 11 and 16
years. Designed to supplement the training provided
Queensland Ballet in partnership with Kelvin Grove
State College launches the Queensland Ballet Senior
Program in 2015. This unique program provides the
highest quality, comprehensive ballet training for
students in Years 11 and 12 while they complete their
face-to-face senior academic studies.
by community dance schools and teachers, weekly
classes are held over four terms per year. Students
are given first consideration for juvenile roles in
Queensland Ballet productions.
Pre-Professional Program
Summer School
This full-time final year training program aims
to give students the preparation and training they
require before joining a professional ballet or
dance company. Students undertake intensive daily
training to develop their artistry and technical skills
to the highest standards. Performance opportunities
are a part of the Program.
A six-day intensive training program for students
aged between 11 and 18 years, Summer School is held
in January each year. The program aims to further
young dancers’ training and improve their essential
skills, under the guidance of Queensland Ballet
Artistic staff and guest teachers. The week concludes
with a presentation for family and friends.
For further details about training programs and
auditions, visit queenslandballet.com.au/auditions,
or phone 07 3013 6666.
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PARTNERS
GOVERNMENT
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
Queensland Ballet receives financial assistance from
the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
LEAD PARTNER
Queensland Ballet is assisted by the Commonwealth Government
through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding advisory body.
MAJOR PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
SEASON PARTNERS
SUPPORT PARTNERS
CREATIVE AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS
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C E L E B R AT I N G
OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
RESTAURANT PARTNERS
Aesop, DB Schenker, French Flowers, Healthworks West End, Theme & Variations,
Through the Looking Glass, Veracity Business Solutions, Yellow Cabs (Qld)
Augustine’s on George, the gunshop café, Urbane
SUPPORTERS
Queensland Ballet is very grateful to the Artistic Director’s Circle, Charles Lisner Circle, Benefactors, Dancers’ Circle,
Queensland Ballet Friends and many generous individuals, trusts and foundations, for their support.
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queenslandballet.com.au