Hong Kong Ballet spreads Christmas joy
with The Nutcracker,
The world’s favourite festive ballet
Proudly Sponsored by China Everbright Ltd.
[Hong Kong – 23rd October 2015] This Christmas, celebrate with your loved ones at Hong Kong Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, one of the world’s favourite ballets, with China Everbright Ltd. as its Title Sponsor. Choreographed by Terence Kohler especially for Hong Kong Ballet, the whole family will be enchanted as Christmas comes to life through the adventures of Clara and Fritz. With spectacular scenery and costumes, Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers will mesmerize you with their brilliant display of the classical ballet technique. Alongside the professional dancers will be young budding performers from the Hong Kong community who not only dance beautifully, but who also radiate the warmth of Christmas. Guest Prinicipal Dancer Jurgita Dronina (Principal Dancer, National Ballet of Canada) will also be appearing in performances on 25th December 7:30pm and 26th December 2:30pm. Featuring one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous masterpieces performed live by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and conducted by Philip Ellis, The Nutcracker has it all! There will be 13 enchanting performances, staged at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, from 18th-20th and 22nd-27th December. Tickets are available at URBTIX now. Come along and enjoy a little bit of Christmas magic.
Artistic Director Madeleine Onne added, ‘For children, The Nutcracker is the best first introduction to a live stage performance of a full-length ballet. With an extensive range of artistic members involved, children are exposed to the perfect blend of orchestral music, classical ballet, magical scenery, fabulous costumes and the warmth of a world famous Christmas tale. For many adults, myself included, The Nutcracker is an essential ingredient to complete the perfect Christmas. I love staging this production by Terence Kohler. Each and every year we develop and tweak it so that there are always some subtle nuances to delight and inspire the dancers and audience members alike. I am so happy to be in a position to bring the magic and joy of this production to Hong Kong.’
About The Nutcracker
Join the magical adventure of Clara, Fritz and the Nutcracker as they battle the evil Rat King. A flurry of snowflakes appears and guides the way to find the Ballerina at the top of the Christmas tree. Can the heroic Nutcracker conquer the dastardly Rat King and his army? Will the children save the day and reunite the Ballerina and her beloved Nutcracker?
CHOREOGRAPHY Terence Kohler
MUSIC Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
DRAMATURGE Clair Sauran
SET & COSTUME DESIGN Jordi Roig
LIGHTING DESIGN David Bofarull
PAINTERS Jordi Castells & Quique Conde
LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT Hong Kong Sinfonietta
CONDUCTOR Philip Ellis
About Jurgita Dronina
Guest Principal Dancer of Hong Kong Ballet
Principal Dancer of National Ballet of Canada
Born in Saratov, Russia, Jurgita Dronina joined the Royal Swedish Ballet in 2005, becoming a Soloist in 2007, and Principal Dancer in 2009. In 2010, Ted Brandsen offered her a contract with the Dutch National Ballet. In 2011, her performance with Cédric Ygnace in Balanchine's Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux was widely acclaimed. Among many other prominent roles, Jurgita has danced in Kenneth MacMillan’s and Rudi van Dantzig’s Romeo & Juliet; Rudi van Dantzig’s Swan Lake; Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote, On The Dnieper and Firebird; Pär Isberg’s Hunchback of Notre-Dame and The Nutcracker; George Balanchine’s Tschaikovsky pas de deux, Serenade, Symphony in C and Jewels. She has performed as a guest artist with many notable Ballet companies worldwide. In addition to numerous grants, Jurgita has received many notable awards, including Awards in the International Ballet Festival “Dance Open” in St. Petersburg in 2010, 2011 and 2013, and the Alexandra Radius Prize in 2014 (Outstanding dancer of the year). Jurgita Dronina joined Hong Kong Ballet as Guest Principal Dancer in 2015.
Performance Details
18-20.12.2015 Fri 7:30pm | Sat & Sun 2:30pm & 7:30pm
22-27.12.2015 Tue, Wed & Thu 7:30pm | Fri & Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm | Sun 2:30pm
13 performances
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
$1,000 (Limited VIP Tickets) $680 $520 $320 $180
Tickets available at URBTIX now
Ticketing Enquiries: 3761 6661
Credit Card Booking: 2111 5999
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Programme Enquiries: 2105 9724
Suitable for ages 3 and above
The presenter reserves the right to alter the programme and artists
The performance lasts approximately 2 hours including an intermission
| Discounts | |
|---|---|
| 50% off | Full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities (Limited tickets for students and senior citizens available on a first-come, first-served basis. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.) |
| 15% off | Friends of The Hong Kong Ballet |
| 10% off (First two tickets) |
Members of Chung Ying Theatre’s Energy Fun Club Plus, Zuni’s Friends, CCDC Dance Generation Premium members, HK Phil Club Bravo members, Friends of HKCO, Friends of HKDC Prestige Members and Fringe Members. |
| Group Booking | 10% off for every purchase of 10-19 tickets at regular price, 15% off for 20-40 tickets |
Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discounts for each purchase.
Discounts are not applicable to $1000 VIP tickets
$1,000 VIP ticket-holders Special Privilege
Present your ticket stub to Hong Kong Ballet’s reception counter (Level 2 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre) before the performance or during the intermission to receive a coupon for a free drink. Each ticket stub is valid for one free drink only.
Promotional Offers
15% off food & beverage at InterContinental Hong Kong
Ticket holders of Romeo And Juliet can enjoy 15% off food & beverage in all restaurants and bars at InterContinental Hong Kong before or after the performance upon presentation of their tickets on the performance date. For details, please call 2313 2323 or email [email protected]. Website: www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
Programme Plus
Get-to-know The Nutcracker
8.12.2015
Tue 7:30pm – 8:45pm
Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Join Hong Kong Ballet’s Artistic Team to find out more about how choreographer Terence Kohler created this festive, family-friendly ballet. You will hear about its evolution from concept to performance, as well as the most spectacular sets, stunning costumes and Tchaikovsky’s world famous masterpiece. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers in the intimate setting of the Studio Theatre. This informative sneak peek into Kohler’s production will add to the quality of your theatre experience.
Conducted in English. Suitable for ages 6 and above. Free admission. Limited capacity, advance registration required. Registration Details:
http://hkballet.com/en/Education/Programmes/Get-To-Know-The-Nutcracker.html
Pre-performance Workshop
19.12.2015
Sat 10:00am – 11:00am (Workshop I)
Sat 11:30am – 12:30pm (Workshop II)
GR3, 8/F, Grand Theatre Backstage, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Fee: $80 each* | Quota: 40 (each workshop)
10% discount for Friends of Hong Kong Ballet
Explore The Nutcracker - Come along and enjoy a fun, interactive and educational workshop! Through crafts, acting, dancing, story-telling, costume display and more, this tailor-made workshop for children aged 4-8 years will introduce students to the characters, the story, and the making of this festive family ballet. Children will be engaged in hands-on activities and will leave with an understanding of, and appreciation for, The Nutcracker leading to a more enjoyable theatre experience. No previous dance experience is necessary.
Conducted in Cantonese and English. Only for The Nutcracker ticket-holders or Friends of Hong Kong Ballet. Advance registration required. Registration and Details: hkballet.com/workshop
Pre-Performance Talk
19.12.2015
Sat 1:50 pm – 2:10 pm [Conducted in Cantonese]
Sat 6:50 pm – 7:10 pm [Conducted in English]
Level 2 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Add a touch of spice to your theatre experience this Christmas with a lighthearted informative chat before the performance. Enjoy a quick overview of Terence Kohler’s version of The Nutcracker, which features spectacular scenery, stunning costumes and one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous masterpieces. This short talk will serve as the perfect start to a wonderful ballet experience.
The talk is approximately 20 minutes long. Free admission with The Nutcracker tickets. Enquiries: [email protected] | 2105 9744 or 2105 9743
DOWNLOAD PRESS PHOTOS
[Click on the photo to download full image]
Photo1: Dancers: Liu Yu-yao and Wei Wei | Photographer: Conrad Dy-Liacco
Photo2: Dancers: Liu Yu-yao and Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Tony Luk
Photo3: Dancer: Murman Kikalishvili as Rat King, Li Jia-bo as Nutcracker | Photographer: Conrad Dy-Liacco
Photo4: Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Conrad Dy-Liacco
Photo5: Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Conrad Dy-Liacco
Photo6: Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Conrad Dy-Liacco
Photo7: Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Gordon Wong
Photo8: Jurgita Dronina, Guest Principal Dancer of Hong Kong Ballet, and Principal Dancer of National Ballet of Canada, will be appearing in The Nutcracker on 25th December evening and 26th December matinee performances | Photographer: Serguei Endinian
About Hong Kong Ballet
An eclectic mix of talent, a balance of classical and contemporary works, and a unique repertoire are the trademarks of Hong Kong Ballet, Asia’s premier ballet company. Internationally recognised and acclaimed for its creativity, talent and artistry, the Company, led by Artistic Director Madeleine Onne, is committed to providing captivating experiences that delight and inspire audiences from all walks of life, both at home and abroad.
For further information, please contact:
Nick Chan
Director of Marketing
T: 2105 9716
M: 9728 1777
[email protected]
