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WGO PRESENTS SWAN LAKE STARRING MOISEEV RUSSIAN CLASSICAL BALLET |
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WICHITA, February 24, 2009 - In the incredibly demanding world of ballet, Russia has always been known for producing talent far beyond the ordinary. At 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, the Wichita Grand Opera will treat its audience to a performance of Swan Lake by one of Moscow’s most recognized companies, the Moiseev Russian Classical Ballet. Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is possibly the greatest ballet masterpiece ever written. Inspired by a vast array of folk legends and fairy tales, the story
revolves around the triumphant power of love. The wicked magician Von Rothbart has trapped the beautiful Odette in the form of a swan, only able to return to her natural form between midnight and sunrise. Young Prince Siegfried falls in love with her, and even though Von Rothbart deceives Siegfried into betraying Odette, the power of Siegfried’s love defeats the evil spell.
Ballet and opera have always been closely associated. Many operas are composed with ballet integrated as part of the artistic experience, but most companies nowadays are forced to eliminate that aspect of opera for financial reasons. However, the major opera houses in the United States and Europe still have excellent ballet companies in residence, and it is with this tradition in mind that the Wichita Grand Opera presents superb ballet companies each season, and Swan Lake is no exception. According to CHZHEKHAI, Chinese audiences “dream to see more performances that are so wonderful!”
The Moiseev Russian Classical Ballet was founded in 1999 by its General Director, Vladimir Moiseev – a soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet and grandson of legendary ballet master Igor Moiseev. The company has toured Europe, the Far East, Australia, and the U.S. with great success, and performs regularly in its home city of Moscow. The classical repertoire is the foundation of the company, and the 55 dancers of the corps are all highly trained in the best traditions of classical Russian ballet. Natalia Kungurtseva as Odette and Valery Shumilov as Prince Siegfried are fantastic examples of superb ballet talent. VESTI (Italy) greeted their performance as “Sheer magic! Every soloist received well deserved applause!”
Swan Lake is a delight for all ages, and would make a perfect family outing this spring. Featuring gorgeous music and breathtaking sets, this is a performance not to miss. For tickets or more information visit www.WichitaGrandOpera.org or call 316-262-8054. Tickets can also be purchased through any Select-A-Seat outlet. This performance is sponsored in part by Cessna Aircraft Corporation, Ritchie Development Corporation, and Steve and Winnie Laughlin.
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