Scottish Ballet

8 - 28 May 2009

Mei Lanfang Theatre (Beijing), Shanghai Grand Theatre（accompanied by Shanghai Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra), Nanjing

Repertoire: Carmen, Pennies from Heaven

Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s national dance Company.

Founded by Peter Darrell and Elizabeth West as Western Theatre Ballet in Bristol in 1957, the Company moved to Glasgow in 1969 and was renamed Scottish Theatre Ballet, changing to Scottish Ballet in 1974. The Company performs across the UK and abroad, with strong classical technique at the root of all of its work.  Its broad repertory includes new version of the classics, seminal pieces from the 20th century modern ballet canon, signature pieces by living choreographers and new commissions.  As a truly national company, Scottish Ballet performs at theatres throughout Britain and its long history of touring internationally includes visits to Malaysia, Portugal, Ireland, Hong Kong and etc.

Carmen 

A brand new Carmen, created on Scottish Ballet by Richard Alston, retells the famous story of a hot-blooded gypsy whose wild spirit lures a young officer into an obsessive love when she spurns him for the glamour of a handsome toreador with tragic results. Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, skilfully highlights the glories of Bizet’s original score.

Pennies from Heaven

Taking its cue from the music and cinema of the 1930s, Scottish Ballet’s Artistic Director Ashley Page premieres a brand new ballet that borrows its title from Dennis Potter’s acclaimed television drama Pennies from Heaven. The work is a playful interpretation of a of a range of popular songs from the period including March Winds and April Showers and Painting the Clouds with Sunshine, with elegant designs steeped in the vintage glamour of the era by award winning designer Antony McDonald.