A Tale of Two Giselles

Friday, February 11, 2011

Friday night starring Alina Somova and Evgeny Ivanchenko transcended sketchy sets and bordering on gaudy peasant costumes to become one of ballet most memorable nights. While the first act was well acted and beautifully danced, it was the Willis act that hold me transfixed, lifting my spirits and brining to a new level of art appreciation. As if an old etching depicting Romantic ballerina of the 19th century came to life on stage of The Kennedy Center and mind you, this was not a mere stylization of the revered Romantic ballet, but a living breathing scene of extraordinary beauty and stylistic purity.

I can’t even attempt to describe Samovar’s light as breath sautés and breath extending to the tips of her fingers, melting quality of her landings, the softest possible plie and the quintessential Giselle 2nd arabesque extending into space and time. No words can describe the magic of this exceptional performance, that could be experienced only in the setting of life theatre.

Photo courtesy of Mariinsky Theatre

Evgeny Ivanchenko, always a solid partner, shared rather than shadowed Alina’s interpretation. More a dreamy youth from Les Sylphides than Count Albrecht, he too rose to the occasion in the 2nd act to enhance the partnership which was both sensitive and organic. Both Ivanchenko and Somova were technically flawless throughout. Mariinsky legendary corps de ballet was remarkably uniform and subtle, while Myrtha, Alexandra Iosifidi and the two lead Willis, Daria Vasnetsova and Oxana Skorik put in both polished and sensitive performance. Hans, acted by Konstantin Zverev stood in stark contrast with weak-willed and not very aristocratic Albrecht-Ivanchenko of the first act.

Several standing ovations from a sold-out crowd ended the night to remember.

Mariinsky “Giselle” @ the Ken-Cen

Feb 8 – 13, 2011

Giselle

Choreography: Jean Coralli & Jules Perrot
Arrangement and addition choreography by Marius Petipa
Music: Adolphe Adam

PRINCIPAL CASTING

Tue., Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Giselle: Diana Vishneva
Alberth: Andrian Fadeyev
Hanz: Yuri Smekalov
Mirtha: Ekaterina Kondaurova

Wed., Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Giselle: Alina Somova (cast change on 1/12)
Alberth: Evgeny Ivanchenko (cast change on 1/12)
Hanz: Konstantin Zverev
Mirtha: Alexandra Iosifidi

Thu., Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Giselle: Viktoria Tereshkina (cast change on 1/12)
Alberth: Vladimir Shklyarov (cast change on 1/12)
Hanz: Yuri Smekalov
Mirtha: Ekaterina Kondaurova

Fri., Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Giselle: Alina Somova (cast change on 1/12)
Alberth: Evgeny Ivanchenko (cast change on 1/12)
Hanz: Konstantin Zverev
Mirtha: Alexandra Iosifidi

Sat., Feb. 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Giselle: Viktoria Tereshkina (cast change on 1/12)
Alberth: Vladimir Shklyarov (cast change on 1/12)
Hanz: Yuri Smekalov
Mirtha: Anastasia Petushkova

Sat., Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Giselle: Uliana Lopatkina
Alberth: Daniil Korsuntsev
Hanz: Konstantin Zverev
Mirtha: Ekaterina Kondaurova

Sun., Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Giselle: Diana Vishneva
Alberth: Andrian Fadeyev
Hanz: Yuri Smekalov
Mirtha: Alexandra Iosifidi

Mariinsky “Giselle”: The New Generation

Beauteous Irina Golub, dramatic Evgenia Obraztsova, refined Olesya Novikova and enchanting Alina Somova

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Mariinsky “Giselle” in art & photos

As seen through the lens of master of light MARK OLICH

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