By Peter Quanz
With Les Grands Ballets Orchestra
Les Grands Ballets and its artistic director Ivan Cavallari welcome back long-time collaborator and choreographer, Peter Quanz, to create his staging of Alexandre Dumas fils’ iconic La Dame aux camélias. A love story that has inspired films, operas, plays, and ballets since it was penned in 1848, this richly produced two-act ballet offers outstanding dance drama roles to the exceptional dancers of Les Grands Ballets.
The tragic story of love turned to scorn, separation turned to intimacy, centres on the relationship between courtesan, Marguerite Gauthier and Armand Duval. Theirs is a story told in love letters, passionate embraces, and ultimately, loss – ideal material for a romantic ballet! Quanz’ ability to innovate within and to reinvent classical and romantic ballet will gift Montréal audiences exquisite beauty alongside emotional vulnerability.
Working in close collaboration with German conductor, Florian Ziemen, the orchestral score for La Dame aux camélias will feature compositions by female composers of different epochs, which will be brought to life by Les Grands Ballets Orchestra.
The fragile and ephemeral beauty of camellias, a flower that lasts but one day, inspires costume designer, Anne Armit, and set designer, Michael Gianfrancesco as they evoke Parisian elegance, glamour, and portray the sweeping emotional landscape of La Dame aux camélias.
Our orchestra features 43 musicians and superior soloists, and has been playing a major role in the success of Les Grands Ballets for more than 30 years.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Duration: 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission
Choreography: Peter Quanz
Costumes: Anne Armit
Sets: Michael Gianfrancesco
Music: musical score curated, compiled, and arranged by Florian Ziemen
LES GRANDS BALLETS
Artistic Director: Ivan Cavallari
Executive Director: Marc Lalonde
President Emeritus: Constance V. Pathy, C.M., C.Q., DMus.
Founder: Ludmilla Chiriaeff
Artistic Director Emeritus: Gradimir Pankov
