8 replies to this topic

[volcanohunter]

For Francophones, here is a nine-minute television interview with Agnès Letestu. There are also a number of clips from the POB's current run of La Bayadère which obviously don't require any knowledge of French.  

http://videos.tf1.fr...ev-5859992.html

[hydraulix]

Thank you for this video! I had the grand privilege to see her perform just a few days ago on Monday! It was my greatest wish in my life to see La Bayadere from Paris Opera Ballet (and hopefully with Agnès Letestu as Nikiya). When I heard last year they would perform it in Paris this month, I didn't hesitate and would definitely try to get hold on a ticket. I succeeded and last Monday I was sitting in a seat of Opéra Garnier. Back home I didn't check on Internet in advance who would perform and during the evening of the performance I opened the paper with the cast of the evening and could almost cry: Agnès Letestu would be the star of the evening, together with José Martinez. I will never forget this beautiful experience!

[Nanarina]

What a wonderful surprise, I have now been accross to Paris a few times gradually seeing my favourite Ballets, and Bayadere  is one I plan to go to.   I have seen Agnes Letestu dance live  in La Dame aux Camellias.  It was realy wonderful.

[bart]

I have to add my enthusiastic thanks, volcano hunter.  It's a smashing production.  Hydraulix, I saw the same cast a few weeks earlier.  Like you, I will never forget it.  This video is a beau souvenir for both of us.

We already have a thread devoted to this run of  Bayadere performances.  It would be lovely if you -- and anyone else who has seen the production or has thoughts about it -- could share more of your impressions HERE

P.S.  I'm continually impressed about the amount of coverage French tv gives to POB.  My grap of spoken French is limited, but I had the impression from both of THE clips you have posted that Letestu is a wonderful ambassador for the art and for her company.

[hydraulix]

Sorry to bump this topic, but does anyone know when Agnès Letestu will retire (and perhaps what her final role will be)? It's been a while that I posted on this forum, but I wanted to share my second experience with this incredible artist.

I visited the POB again last Friday, this time for Jiri Kylian's Kaguyahime. Déja vu: when I opened the paper with the cast of that evening, Agnès Letestu would be dancing the role of the heroine. Just like the last time, I was pleasantly surprised to read this. Wow did she deliver! To be honest, she impressed me even more this time. Leave it up to her when it comes to body control, elegance and sophistication. This was by far the most beautiful ballet experience I've ever had.

[silvermash]

Agnès said in an interview she will retire  at the beginning of next season in The Lady of the Camellias.
We are expecting the schedule of the season by the end of February so we will know more soon...

[Helene]

No need to apologize, hydraulix, for bumping up a thread on a wonderful artist.  I'm glad you shared with us your impression of her performance.

[silvermash]

October 10, 2013  is announced as Agnes farewell in The Lady of the camellias as previously mentioned

[hydraulix]

Yes, thank you again On June 24th the tickets can be reserved. I'll definitely try to get a hold on one