Ballet Rocks
Music that rocked the ages blends seamlessly to fill this program with unbridled energy, choreography, and drama. “Rock ‘n’ roll might not solve your problems, but it does let you dance all over them” – Pete Townsend
Behind the Curtain
TICKETS: $50.00 (Discounts for students, seniors, military, and children)
VENUE: Kirk Hall, 680 Courtney St, Victoria, BC V8W 1C1
DATES:
Friday, October 20 at 7:30PM
Saturday, October 21 at 2:00PM
Sunday, October 22 at 2:00PM
Friday, November 3 at 7:30PM
Saturday, November 4 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
Sunday, November 5 at 2:00PM
Le Corsaire – A Pirates of the Caribbean-esque tale of love and daring escapades.
Bolero – A single, haunting theme, that repeats relentlessly, embodying the very essence of musical seduction.
The 20th century – a time that created the soundtrack of our lives.
“Ballet Rock” fuses tradition with revolution, showcasing a mesmerizing journey through time. Commencing with excerpts from the classical pirate ballet based on Lord Byron’s 1814 poem, “Le Corsaire” sets the stage for a night of high-seas adventure and passionate romance. With a focus on technical bravado, Ballet Victoria demonstrates why this famous rectories continues to be proffered all over the world to this day. Next, Ravel’s renowned “Bolero” drives a sculptural pas de deux, merging ballet’s grace with breathtaking physicality.
The second act invites you to embark on a nostalgic journey through the golden era of rock music. A medley of iconic rock songs from the 20th century, including hits from Deep Purple, AC/DC, Queen, The Wings, and more, serves as the backdrop for a powerful exploration of how music can ignite energy and forge connections
The program crescendos with a brand-new work by Andrea Bayne, set to selected tracks from Pink Floyd’s iconic album, “The Wall.” In this thought-provoking piece, Bayne delves deep into society’s divisions, exploring the determination of a few who strive to tear down the walls that separate us. It’s a powerful and timely commentary on the human condition and our enduring quest for unity.
Adolf Adam, “Le Corsaire” (French translation – The Pirate)
Adolf Adam left an indelible mark on the world of classical music in the 19th century. Born in Paris in 1803, Adam was renowned for his ability to infuse vibrant melodies and dramatic flair into his compositions. In the case of “Le Corsaire,” he crafted a captivating score that perfectly complemented the adventurous narrative of the ballet.
Ravel’s Bolero
The orchestral work, characterized by its unrelenting snare-drum rhythm, showcases Ravel’s innovative approach to music composition. Unlike conventional compositions, it centers around a single, haunting theme that repeats relentlessly throughout the entire piece. Ravel’s ingenious orchestration gradually increases the intensity by adding layers of instruments, building an almost hypnotic tension. The audacious key change from C major to E major near the climax amplifies the emotional impact, creating a powerful release of pent-up energy.
As it premiered, the audience was so captivated that a woman in the crowd exclaimed, ‘Au fou, au fou!’ (‘The madman! The madman!’). Ravel, when informed of this reaction, famously quipped, ‘That lady… she understood.’ This monumental piece serves as a testament to the artist’s unique vision and continues to enchant audiences with its mesmerizing simplicity and undeniable power.”