Lynette H Posted October 16, 2018 Share Posted October 16, 2018 Very pleased to see that SFB will be at Sadler's Wells in 2019 with a generous four programmes, 29 May to 8 June. https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2019/san-francisco-ballet/ They haven't been here since 2012 though they were frequent visitors before then. Link to comment
pherank Posted October 16, 2018 Share Posted October 16, 2018 (edited) 9 hours ago, Lynette H said: Very pleased to see that SFB will be at Sadler's Wells in 2019 with a generous four programmes, 29 May to 8 June. https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2019/san-francisco-ballet/ They haven't been here since 2012 though they were frequent visitors before then. Thanks for posting this information, Lynette H - we would never have known, on my side of the Atlantic, until some time in 2019. 😉 It looks to be, aside from Ratmansky's excellent Shostakovich Trilogy, all ballets created for the 2018 'Unbound Festival of New Works'. Choreographers like Liang, Pita and Scarlett have created other ballets on SFB, so it would be possible to substitute in an older work. Hopefully Londoner's will be given the strongest possible program, and not only "new" ballets. Edited October 16, 2018 by pherank Link to comment
apollosmuse Posted October 17, 2018 Share Posted October 17, 2018 Liam Scarlett did not participate in Unbound, so that at least is a non-Unbound ballet Link to comment
pherank Posted October 17, 2018 Share Posted October 17, 2018 1 hour ago, apollosmuse said: Liam Scarlett did not participate in Unbound, so that at least is a non-Unbound ballet Yes of course - thanks Apollosmuse. How soon I forget. ;) So Hummingbird, Fearful Symmetries or the new ballet currently in the works for the 2019 season... Link to comment
meunier fan Posted October 17, 2018 Share Posted October 17, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, pherank said: Yes of course - thanks Apollosmuse. How soon I forget. 😉 So Hummingbird, Fearful Symmetries or the new ballet currently in the works for the 2019 season... According to the Sadler's Wells website the Scarlett contribution for SFB's much appreciated London sojourn is HUMMINGBIRD ... Set to the violin concertos of Johann Sebastian Bach, Stanton Welch’s Bespoke explores dance itself in a love letter to ballet. The critically acclaimed Hummingbird by British choreographer Liam Scarlett is accompanied by Philip Glass’ Tirol Concerto, with shadowy designs by regular collaborator John Macfarlane. “Virtuoso of the form” (New York Times) Justin Peck uses the electronic music of M83 for Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. Edited October 17, 2018 by meunier fan Link to comment
Josette Posted October 18, 2018 Share Posted October 18, 2018 (edited) Hummingbird is the ballet in which Feijoo was so extraordinary with Victor Luiz. YY Tan didn't have the same impact. I'm glad they are reviving Bespoke, as it was one of my favorites from the Unbound Festival. Edited October 18, 2018 by Josette Link to comment
pherank Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 (edited) People always want to know about casting, but unfortunately this is rarely revealed until the week before, so, I've cobbled together the most recent "1st casts" I could find. ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE, of course. ;)Programme A - Shostakovich Trilogy29 & 30 May, 2 June Currently being performed in San Francisco. There have been two alternating casts that I can see (but some substitutions have been scheduled, so this is an approximation). Both lineups are equally strong.Current First Cast -Symphony #9 Jennifer Stahl, Aaron Robison Dores Andre, Joseph Walsh Wei WangChamber Symphony Ulrik Birkkjaer Sasha De Sola Mathilde Froustey Yuan Yuan TanPiano Concerto #1 Sofiane Sylve, Carlo Di Lanno Wona Park, Angelo GrecoCurrent Second Cast - Symphony #9 Mathilde Froustey, Luke Ingham Sasha De Sola, Esteban Hernandez Hansuke YamamotoChamber Symphony Aaron Robison Jahna Frantziskonis Dores Andre Jennifer StahlPiano Concerto #1 Yuan Yuan Tan, Tiit Helimets Isabella Devivo, Vitor LuizProgramme B – Liang / Marston / Pita31 May & 1 JuneThe Infinite Ocean Choreography: Edwaard Liang Music: Oliver Davis Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Yuan Yuan Tan, Vitor LuizSnowblind Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Amy Beach, Philip Feeney, Arthur Foote, and Arvo Pärt Ethan Frome: Ulrik Birkkjaer Zeena Frome: Jennifer Stahl or Madison Keesler [Sarah Van Patten role] Mattie Silver: Mathilde FrousteyBjörk Ballet Choreography: Arthur Pita Music: Composers: Björk Gudmundsdottir, Alejandro Ghersi, and Sjón Carmela Mayo Dores Andre Elizabeth Powell Joseph Walsh Luke Ingham Ulrik BirkkjaerProgramme C - Welch / Scarlett / Peck5 & 8 JuneBespoke Choreography: Stanton Welch Music: Johann Sebastian Bach Mathilde Froustey, Frances Chung [out on maternity leave], Jennifer Stahl, Sasha De Sola, Isabella DeVivo, Ellen Rose Hummel Carlo Di Lanno, Angelo Greco, Jaime Garcia Castilla, Esteban Hernandez, Alexandre Cagnat, Lonnie WeeksHummingbird Choreographer: Liam Scarlett Composer: Philip Glass I think the only dancers still around from the original performances are: Yuan Yuan Tan, Luke Ingham, Dores Andre, Joseph Walsh Vitor LuizHurry Up, We're Dreaming Choreography: Justin Peck Music: Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez, Bradley Laner, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen Dores André, Wei Wang or Joseph Walsh Elizabeth Powell, Luke Ingham Gabriela Gonzalez, Ulrik BirkkjaerProgramme D – McIntyre / Wheeldon / Dawson6 & 7 JuneYour Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem Choreography: Trey McIntyre Music: Chris Garneau Benjamin Freemantle Isabella DeVivo Sasha De Sola Jennifer Stahl Steven Morse Jaime Garcilla Castilla Alexandre Cagnat Esteban Hernandez Lonnie Weeks Bound To Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Music: Keaton Henson Dores Andre Sasha De Sola Isabella DeVivo Jennifer Stahl Yuan Yuan Tan Jaime Garcilla Castilla Carlo Di Lanno Benjamin Freemantle Angelo Greco Lonnie Weeks (final solo)Anima Animus Choreography: David Dawson Music: Ezio Bosso ??? [Maria Kochetkova role], Sofiane Sylve Henry Sidford, Carlo Di Lanno, Luke Ingham, Wei Wang Elizabeth Powell, Skyla Schreter, Kamryn Baldwin, Elizabeth Mateer Edited May 10, 2019 by pherank Link to comment
PeggyTulle Posted May 17, 2019 Share Posted May 17, 2019 Casting is posted. Sadler's Wells Wednesday, May 29, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program A Shostakovich Trilogy Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Music: Dmitri Shostakovich Conductor: Martin WestSymphony #9 Jennifer Stahl, Aaron Robison Dores Andre, Joseph Walsh Wei Wang Chamber Symphony Ulrik Birkkjer Sasha De Sola Mathilde Froustey Yuan Yuan Tan Piano Concerto No. 1 Sofiane Sylve, Carlo Di Lanno Wona Park, Angelo Greco Learn More Buy Tickets Thursday, May 30, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program A Shostakovich Trilogy Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Music: Dmitri Shostakovich Conductor: Martin West Symphony #9 Mathilde Froustey, Luke Ingham Sasha De Sola, Esteban Hernandez Hansuke Yamamoto Chamber Symphony Aaron Robison Jahna Frantziskonis Dores Andre Jennifer Stahl Piano Concerto No. 1 Yuan Yuan Tan, Tiit Helimets Isabella DeVivo, Vitor Luiz Learn More Buy Tickets Friday, May 31, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program B Conductor: Martin West The Infinite Ocean Choreography: Edwaard Liang Music: Oliver Davis Violinist: Cordula Merks Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Yuan Yuan Tan, Vitor LuizSnowblind Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Amy Beach, Philip Feeney, Arthur Foote, and Arvo Pärt Piano: Mungunchimeg Buriad Ethan Frome: Ulrik Birkkjaer Zeena Frome: Jennifer Stahl Mattie Silver: Mathilde Froustey Björk Ballet Choreography: Arthur Pita Music: Björk Gudmundsdottir, Alejandro Ghersi, and Sjón Carmela Mayo Dores Andre Elizabeth Powell Joseph Walsh Luke Ingham Ulrik Birkkjaer Learn More Buy Tickets Saturday, June 1, 2019 – 2:30 pm Program BThe Infinite Ocean Choreography: Edwaard Liang Music: Oliver Davis Conductor: Martin West Violinist: Cordula Merks Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Yuan Yuan Tan, Vitor LuizSnowblind Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Amy Beach, Philip Feeney, Arthur Foote, and Arvo Pärt Conductor: Ming Luke Piano: Mungunchimeg Buriad Ethan Frome: Ulrik Birkkjaer Zeena Frome: Jennifer Stahl Mattie Silver: Mathilde Froustey Björk Ballet Choreography: Arthur Pita Music: Björk Gudmundsdottir, Alejandro Ghersi, and Sjón Conductor: Ming Luke Miranda Silveira Dores Andre Elizabeth Powell Joseph Walsh Luke Ingham Ulrik Birkkjaer Learn More Buy Tickets Saturday, June 1, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program B Conductor: Martin WestThe Infinite Ocean Choreography: Edwaard Liang Music: Oliver Davis Violinist: Cordula Merks Sofiane Sylve, Tiit Helimets Yuan Yuan Tan, Vitor LuizSnowblind Choreography: Cathy Marston Music: Amy Beach, Philip Feeney, Arthur Foote, and Arvo Pärt Piano: Mungunchimeg Buriad Ethan Frome: Ulrik Birkkjaer Zeena Frome: Jennifer Stahl Mattie Silver: Mathilde Froustey Björk Ballet Choreography: Arthur Pita Music: Björk Gudmundsdottir, Alejandro Ghersi, and Sjón Carmela Mayo Dores Andre Elizabeth Powell Wei Wang Luke Ingham Ulrik Birkkjaer Learn More Buy Tickets Sunday, June 2, 2019 – 4:00 pm Program A Shostakovich Trilogy Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Music: Dmitri Shostakovich Conductor: Martin WestSymphony #9 Jennifer Stahl, Aaron Robison Dores Andre, Max Cauthorn Lonnie Weeks Chamber Symphony Joseph Walsh Isabella DeVivo Elizabeth Powell Sasha De Sola Piano Concerto No. 1 WanTing Zhao, Vladislav Kozlov Wona Park, Angelo Greco Learn More Buy Tickets Wednesday, June 5, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program C Bespoke Choreography: Stanton Welch Music: J.S. Bach Conductor: Martin West Violinist: Cordula Merks Mathilde Froustey, Sasha De Sola, Jennifer Stahl Wona Park, Isabella DeVivo, Ellen Rose Hummel Angelo Greco, Carlo Di Lanno, Jaime Garcia Castilla Esteban Hernandez, Alexandre Cagnat, Lonnie WeeksHummingbird Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Philip Glass Conductor: Martin West Piano: Natasha Feygina Sasha De Sola, Angelo Greco Yuan Yuan Tan, Luke Ingham Dores Andre, Joseph WalshHurry Up, We're Dreaming Choreography: Justin Peck Music: M83 Dores Andre, Joseph Walsh Elizabeth Powell, Luke Ingham Gabriela Gonzalez, Ulrik Birkkjaer Learn More Buy Tickets Thursday, June 6, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program D Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem Choreography: Trey McIntyre Music: Chris Garneau Benjamin Freemantle Isabella DeVivo, Sasha De Sola, Jennifer Stahl Steven Morse, Jaime Garcia Castilla, Alexandre Cagnat, Esteban Hernandez, Lonnie WeeksBound To Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Music: Keaton Henson Conductor: Martin West Dores Andre, Jennifer Stahl, Yuan Yuan Tan, Sasha De Sola, Isabella DeVivo Jaime Garcia Castilla, Lonnie Weeks, Carlo Di Lanno, Angelo Greco, Benjamin FreemantleAnima Animus Choreography: David Dawson Music: Ezio Bosso Conductor: Martin West Violinist: Cordula Merks Wona Park, Sofiane Sylve Joseph Walsh, Carlo Di Lanno, Luke Ingham, Wei Wang Elizabeth Powell, Skyla Schreter, Kamryn Baldwin, Elizabeth Mateer Learn More Buy Tickets Friday, June 7, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program D Your Flesh Shall Be a Great Poem Choreography: Trey McIntyre Music: Chris Garneau Benjamin Freemantle Isabella DeVivo, Sasha De Sola, Jennifer Stahl Steven Morse, Jaime Garcia Castilla, Alexandre Cagnat, Esteban Hernandez, Lonnie WeeksBound To Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Music: Keaton Henson Conductor: Martin West Dores Andre, Jennifer Stahl, Yuan Yuan Tan, Sasha De Sola, Isabella DeVivo Jaime Garcia Castilla, Lonnie Weeks, Carlo Di Lanno, Angelo Greco, Benjamin FreemantleAnima Animus Choreography: David Dawson Music: Ezio Bosso Conductor: Martin West Violinist: Cordula Merks Wona Park, Sofiane Sylve Joseph Walsh, Carlo Di Lanno, Luke Ingham, Wei Wang Elizabeth Powell, Skyla Schreter, Kamryn Baldwin, Elizabeth Mateer Learn More Buy Tickets Saturday, June 8, 2019 – 2:00 pm Program C Bespoke Choreography: Stanton Welch Music: J.S. Bach Conductor: Ming Luke Violinist: Cordula Merks WanTing Zhao, Sasha De Sola, Jennifer Stahl Wona Park, Thamires Chuvas, Ellen Rose Hummel Esteban Hernandez, Steven Morse, Jaime Garcia Castilla Wei Wang, Alexandre Cagnat, Lonnie WeeksHummingbird Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Philip Glass Conductor: Ming Luke Piano: Natasha Feygina Jasmine Jimison, Steven Morse Lauren Strongin,Vitor Luiz Isabella DeVivo, Jaime Garcia CastillaHurry Up, We're Dreaming Choreography: Justin Peck Music: M83 Ellen Rose Hummel, Wei Wang Isabella DeVivo, Henry Sidford Norika Matsuyama, Hansuke Yamamoto Learn More Buy Tickets Saturday, June 8, 2019 – 7:30 pm Program C Bespoke Choreography: Stanton Welch Music: J.S. Bach Conductor: Ming Luke Violinist: Cordula Merks Mathilde Froustey, Sasha De Sola, Jennifer Stahl Wona Park, Isabella DeVivo, Ellen Rose Hummel Angelo Greco, Carlo Di Lanno, Jaime Garcia Castilla Esteban Hernandez, Alexandre Cagnat, Lonnie WeeksHummingbird Choreography: Liam Scarlett Music: Philip Glass Conductor: Ming Luke Piano: Natasha Feygina Sasha De Sola, Angelo Greco Yuan Yuan Tan, Luke Ingham Dores Andre, Joseph WalshHurry Up, We're Dreaming Choreography: Justin Peck Music: M83 Dores Andre, Joseph Walsh Elizabeth Powell, Luke Ingham Gabriela Gonzalez, Ulrik Birkkjaer Link to comment
pherank Posted May 17, 2019 Share Posted May 17, 2019 Thanks PeggyTulle - looks like the 'usual suspects' will be performing. Link to comment
pherank Posted May 25, 2019 Share Posted May 25, 2019 WanTing Zhao is on the plane: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3nFw8l9vV/ Link to comment
pherank Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 I couldn't resist: Natasha Sheehan enjoying high tea at the Ritz: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-A7TFAcDZ/ Mathilde Froustey dancing inside a kaleidoscope at the Saatchi Gallery: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-2pNznEea/ Link to comment
variated Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Am suddenly free on Wednesday and Thursday and able to get to one or both of the Shostakovich shows. As I haven't seen SFB since they were last in London (seems like it was a couple of decades ago at the Royal Opera House where they were doing some random jogging on the spot to Christmas music in green leotards - either that or I was enjoying the end of the rave period too much) do any seasoned company watchers have advice on whether the Wednesday or Thursday cast is "the one to see"? Many thanks in advance! Link to comment
pherank Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 3 hours ago, variated said: Am suddenly free on Wednesday and Thursday and able to get to one or both of the Shostakovich shows. As I haven't seen SFB since they were last in London (seems like it was a couple of decades ago at the Royal Opera House where they were doing some random jogging on the spot to Christmas music in green leotards - either that or I was enjoying the end of the rave period too much) do any seasoned company watchers have advice on whether the Wednesday or Thursday cast is "the one to see"? Many thanks in advance! The last time SFB was at Sadler Wells was 2013, and the Royal Opera House in 2001. There may have been another appearance in there somewhere but I can't remember exactly when. The two Shostakovitch Trilogy casts are an even smattering of available principals and soloists so I don't know if one cast is truly "better" than another. Some audience members have particular dancers they want to see. The European audience often maintains an interest in dancers that have had a Euro-connection at some point in their career, like Yuan Yuan Tan, Sofiane Sylve, Mathilde Froustey, etc. This tour will feature plenty of the young, up-and-coming dancers in the company. Male dancers who are in their prime and well worth seeing: Aaron Robison, Joseph Walsh, Ulrik Birkkjer, Angelo Greco and Carlo Di Lanno. As noted previously, three female principals who are not available: Sarah Van Patten, Frances Chung and Ana Sophia Scheller. Link to comment
Josette Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 (edited) variated, go to the Wednesday performance. It will be wonderful. Seriously, Ulrik Birkkjaer's beautiful performance in Chamber Symphony in itself is worth the price of admission. The principal males cast in Symphony # 9 are thrilling on Wednesday: Robison, Walsh, and Wang. There is a passage when these three principals are dancing the same choreography and the energy level and quality is fantastic. And then you will have Wei Wang do those entrechats like they are nothing . . . . sigh. Also the casting for the three women in Chamber Symphony and for the leads in Piano Concerto #9 includes exceptional and unique principal dancers, and will allow you to see Sofiane Sylve and Angelo Greco in the latter ballet - neither of these dancers should be missed. Edited May 28, 2019 by Josette Link to comment
variated Posted May 28, 2019 Share Posted May 28, 2019 Thanks Josette! Will invest in a Wednesday ticket. Pherank, I think it was the 2001 tour I saw as it was definitely at the ROH. Must have missed the 2013 visit. Excited to see them tomorrow! Link to comment
pherank Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 34 minutes ago, variated said: Thanks Josette! Will invest in a Wednesday ticket. Pherank, I think it was the 2001 tour I saw as it was definitely at the ROH. Must have missed the 2013 visit. Excited to see them tomorrow! You may need to go Thursday as well to compare and contrast. ;)Shostokovich Trilogy has so much going on it requires multiple viewings. I'm going to go out on a limb and recommend Program D as well, if you find you have the time (not that the other mixed rep programs don't have points of interest too). Link to comment
variated Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) Thanks again pherank - yes I suspect I may fall into the more tickets “trap” if tomorrow is good. Can you tell me a bit more about any of the ballets in Program D please? I must admit I was not very inspired by the programming other than Ratmansky - I have only seen one David Dawson work (the Human seasons done by the Royal Ballet and poorly reviewed after which his stager had a hissy fit) which I didn’t think much of, might be tempted by a Wheeldon if it’s abstract and has good music but know nothing about McIntyre. As for the other programmes Welch/Scarlett/Peck is a no for me (my personal rule on triple bills is I need to have some interest in at least 2 and the Peck is the only one that would arouse any curiosity here). I did wonder about the Marston or Pita in Programme B though. Edited May 29, 2019 by variated Link to comment
pherank Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) For me, Pita ballets are over-the-top, but ultimately forgettable. Marston's Snowblind was one of the hits of SFB's 2018 Unbound Festival. It is both dramatic and abstract (the leads are all very effective in their roles). The Wheeldon is abstract and yet very topical (that's right, it's about people's obsession with smart phones/social media). Yuan Yuan Tan was a nominee for the Best Dancer (ballerina) category at this year's Prix Benois de la Danse for her role in Wheeldon's Bound To. Trey McIntyre has a very personal, poetic approach - it is partly a vehicle for Benjamin Freemantle (who was just promoted to principal this season) although the Corps dancers take over for a good portion of the piece. Freemantle is wonderful. Here is some background about the ballet. The Dawson work went over well at the festival, and it's worth seeing a ballet created on Sofiane Sylve (as well as Maria Kochetkova, but she has moved on as you may have heard) performed by Sofiane Sylve. Video about the Wheeldon, Dawson and McIntyre works:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iibHh1j4m4I Here's one of the better written reviews about the Shostakovitch Trilogyhttps://www.fjordreview.com/san-francisco-ballet-shostakovich-trilogy/ Edited May 29, 2019 by pherank Link to comment
Mashinka Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 9 hours ago, variated said: I have only seen one David Dawson work (the Human seasons done by the Royal Ballet and poorly reviewed after which his stager had a hissy fit) which I didn’t think much of, What you actually saw was a revival and it was very, very sloppily danced. When first seen it looked very different and I perfectly understand the attitude of the stager. Link to comment
variated Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 Thanks so much pherank - lots to think about there! Link to comment
pherank Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 I've posted the available critic's reviews here: https://balletalert.invisionzone.com/topic/44838-san-francisco-ballet-at-sadler’s-wells-london-2019/ Link to comment
Phrenchphry11 Posted June 5, 2019 Share Posted June 5, 2019 Wait, I just noticed! Lauren Strongin performed in London! I take it she hasn't retired from SF Ballet then, allaying my previous fears? Link to comment
pherank Posted June 5, 2019 Share Posted June 5, 2019 14 minutes ago, Phrenchphry11 said: Wait, I just noticed! Lauren Strongin performed in London! I take it she hasn't retired from SF Ballet then, allaying my previous fears? That's one of the reasons I added that quote - but it's not really possible to know one way or another what her plans are, since she's made no more public statements. She can leave whenever she has arranged to leave (assuming it's a done deal). It would be great to see Strongin dance again next year though. Link to comment
pherank Posted June 6, 2019 Share Posted June 6, 2019 Just as a point of interest: Maria Kochetkova is currently rehearsing at the Royal Albert Hall in Wheeldon's Cinderella (originally created on SFB and Dutch National Ballet). https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/news/2019/may/behind-the-scenes-of-cinderella-in-the-round-meet-our-heroines/ I don't know whether she has taken the time to meet up with any of her SFB friends, or see any of their performances at Sadler's Wells. Madison Keesler used one of her two off nights to see the Royal Ballet and meet old friends from her time in England. Link to comment
pherank Posted June 8, 2019 Share Posted June 8, 2019 (edited) On 6/4/2019 at 8:18 PM, Phrenchphry11 said: Wait, I just noticed! Lauren Strongin performed in London! I take it she hasn't retired from SF Ballet then, allaying my previous fears? Alas, it seems not to be - today's posting by Mathilde Froustey: "Lauren ... You are doing today what every dancer fears all their career, today your are dancing your last show and taking your last bow. We’ll miss your presence and your beautiful and refined artistry. I’ll miss your smile and your subtle way to exist in this ballet world." https://www.instagram.com/p/Byc8XtnnRCz/ Edited June 8, 2019 by pherank Link to comment
Recommended Posts