Tag Archives: Tchaikovsky

Traditional to the corps: ENB’s Swan Lake returns

Posted on January 4, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake **** English National Ballet, Coliseum, 3rd January 2019 Ballets blancs: ghostly wilis in Giselle; the Shades in Bayadère; snowflakes in Nutcracker; or here… swans. They are the great white scenes for ballerina and female corps – bourrée-ing … Continue reading →

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Swans, severed heads and a deerstalker: 2018 in review

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

“Wow! That’s some year you’ve had!” was a message written in one of this year’s Christmas cards. “Aiming to top it in 2019?” I’m not sure I have the energy! My outstanding operatic experience of the year was easily Salome at … Continue reading →

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Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake triumphantly takes flight once again

Posted on December 13, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake ***** Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Sadler’s Wells, 12th December 2018 For all their surface serenity, swans are dangerous beasts. Being confronted by their fierce wingbeats can be an intimidating experience. So why not apply these characteristics to Swan … Continue reading →

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Sugar and spice: The Nutcracker returns to launch the festive season

Posted on December 4, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker **** The Royal Ballet, 3rd December 2018 For some people, it’s the switching on of the Oxford Street lights. For others, it’s the aroma of cinnamon and citrus on Stir-Up Sunday. But for me, the festive season … Continue reading →

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A highly theatrical Tchaikovsky 5 from Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Valery Gergiev/Mariinsky Orchestra **** Cadogan Hall, 5th November 2018 There’s no denying the chemistry between Valery Gergiev and the music of Tchaikovsky. The Mariinsky chief seems to have the innate ability to channel Pyotr Ilyich’s very soul, especially in the doom-laden chasms … Continue reading →

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