Rave reviews and standing ovations for RNZB’s Salute
The Royal New Zealand Ballet mixed programme Salute has been stunning audiences with its soul-stirring performances of four dance works marking the centenary of World War 1.
[caption id="attachment_47019" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
RNZB SALUTE dancers in Neil Ieremia’s Passchendaele credit Ellie Richards.[/caption]
Following the World premiere in Wellington reviewers said :
“In the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Salute, four works (Dear Horizon, Soldier’s Mass, Salute and Passchendaele) combine in a triumph of the human spirit – and the company’s artistry.” … “Haunting melodies and percussive volleys of brass, performed superbly by the New Zealand Army Band, erupt from the pit…” Francesca Horsley, New Zealand Listener
“From the powerful fevered opening with bodies hurtling across the stage, to the final image of dead soldiers and grieving lovers, and the final, ominous knock on the door, all the dancers perform intensely and with great skill.” Ann Hunt, Dominion Post
“Salute, the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s commemorative programme marking the World War One centennial is choreographically diverse and emotionally charged.” Ian Lochhead, The Press
Praise for Soldier’s Mass and Passchendaele :
“The strength of unison is immense in this work but the strength of each individual dancer is electrifying and terrifying as we reflect on war without boundaries and war still in our world today.” …
“This is Ieremia at his best and it is engrossing on every level.” …
“Passchendale is a work that brings each artistic element together brilliantly and it is impossible to disconnect them.“
From Deirdre Tarrant, www.theatreview.co.nz
“Passionately and stunningly choreographed and performed, Passchendaele is brilliant!” From Sheree Bright, www.theatreview.org.nz
The RNZB heads to Hamilton (Wed 10 June) followed by dates in Takapuna, Auckland and Napier.
Hamilton (10 June), Takapuna (13 – 14 June), Auckland (17 – 20 June), Napier (24 June). For venues see www.rnzb.org.nz
NOTES:
Salute: 22 May – 25 June
- Dear Horizon (World Premiere): Choreography: Andrew Simmons, Music: Gareth Farr, performed by NZAB and Cellist Rolf Gjelsten, Design: Tracy Grant Lord
- Salute: Choreography: Johan Kobborg, Music: Hans Christian Lumbye performed by the NZAB, Design: Natalia Stewart
- Soldier’s Mass: Choreography & Design: Jiří Kylián, Music: Bohuslav Martinů
- Passchendaele (World Premiere): Choreography & Design: Neil Ieremia, Music: Dwayne Bloomfield performed by the NZAB
RNZB dancers in Dear Horizon credit Evan Boli.[/caption]
Next season:
The Vodafone Season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 20 August – 20 September
In an unprecedented artistic coup, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is thrilled that Liam Scarlett, one of the most sought-after choreographers working today, will create A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for the company. Mendelssohn’s wonderful incidental music, Scarlett’s musical, witty choreography, displayed in designs by Tracy Grant Lord (Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet) and lighting by Kendall Smith (Giselle) will bring Shakespeare’s enchanted wood and vivid characters to fresh new life when it makes its world premiere in Wellington.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet – www.rnzb.org.nz]]>
