The Hong Kong Ballet triumphed
at the Northrop in Minneapolis, USA
with Turandot
[Hong Kong – 19th November 2014] Following the Company’s critically acclaimed performances at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the USA this June, The Hong Kong Ballet returned to the American soil and gave two sensational début performances of Turandot at the prestigious Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis on 6th and 7th November 2014. The successful tour brought the 35th anniversary celebration of The Hong Kong Ballet to a triumphant close.
The dramatic and romantic story ballet, adapted from Puccini’s famous opera of the same title for the Company by Natalie Weir in 2003, was performed by two casts of The Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers on two evenings, gaining standing ovations from the passionate Northrop audiences with the troupe’s spirit, energy and vitality.
On the November 6th performance, Star Tribune of Minneapolis raved, “[The] Hong Kong Ballet gave a passionate and technically daring performance...Wei Wei (Calaf) and Liu Yu-Yao (Turandot) make for an elegant pair, with each vigorously interpreting Weir’s intricate and sometimes acrobatic choreographic perspective. The same goes for the fleet-footed Liu Miao-Miao (Liu), who fully embraces the joy and tragedy of the doomed character…A chorus of 20 dancers moves as one breathing body…This is a virtuosic and personable company, serving as shadowy mourners and graceful celebrants.”
“Touring en masse is not only an enjoyable experience for the troupe, it is also educational, inspirational and character building. The dancers enjoy the unique experiences that traveling offers and they return to Hong Kong with a new appreciation for their own vibrant city while having gained a broader experience in the process,” Madeleine Onne, Artistic Director of The Hong Kong Ballet expressed. “Raising and cultivating our international profile leads The Hong Kong Ballet further into the spotlight on the global platform of premier classical ballet companies.”
A reception hosted by the Tour Partner, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), followed the November 7th performance. Distinguished guests in attendance included Mr Steve Barclay, Director of HKETONY; Ms Christine Tschida, Director of Northrop; and Ms Karen Hansen, Provost of University of Minnesota and many more.
This stunning production of Turandot will be performed again for the audiences of Hong Kong next February at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Box office will open on 6th December.
Later this month, The Hong Kong Ballet will be on stage again at Choreographers’ Showcase 2014 where the dancers will relish the opportunity to present their creativity, ideas and accumulated dance experience; December will bring The Nutcracker, a festive season favourite.
Northrop
Rich in history, Northrop is an architectural icon and cultural beacon to the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and is recognised as one of the most important performing venues in the States. It has played host to world-class troupes such as the American Ballet Theatre, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New York City Ballet, the Shanghai Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, to name a few. The Hong Kong Ballet was one of the first major classical ballet companies to perform at its recently revitalised theatre.
About Turandot
Australian choreographer Natalie Weir has adapted this opera of power, lust and revenge into a visually stunning ballet. Accompanied by Puccini’s original music, the dazzling spectacle of Turandot has the power to intrigue and beguile audiences.
Turandot is a princess with a glittering heart of ice who has for many years shunned the attention of men. Any man wishing to wed the Princess must successfully answer the three riddles she sets, and if they fail, they must die. Her coldness does nothing to deter her suitors, even though many have been ritually executed. Prince Calaf returns to the city from exile and falls in love with Turandot at first sight. In turn, he is adored from afar by Liu, his father’s loyal servant girl. The complicated emotions aroused by this trio of protagonists inspire a deep reflection on the nature of true love.
Choreography by Natalie Weir
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Set and Costume Design by Bill Haycock
Lighting Design by Kim Lee
Hong Kong Performance Details
6th February 2015 (Fri) 7:30pm
7th February 2015 (Sat) 2:30pm & 7:30pm
8th February 2015 (Sun) 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
HK$1,000 (VIP ticket) $680 $480 $280 $140
Tickets available at URBTIX from 6 December 2014
Tour Partner:
About Hong Kong Ballet
One of the premier classical ballet companies in Asia, The Hong Kong Ballet is becoming internationally recognised as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. November 2013 marked the 35th anniversary of The Hong Kong Ballet, a Company that has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with accomplished dancers and a strong repertoire of stunning, technically challenging productions, led by its Artistic Director Madeleine Onne. www.hkballet.com
For further information, please contact:
Tiphanie Chan
Senior Marketing Manager
T: 2105 9716
M: 9197 1223
[email protected]
DOWNLOAD PRESS PHOTOS
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Wei Wei as Calaf and The Hong Kong Ballet dancers in Turandot.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
(Stage photos from Turandot November 6th performance)
The Hong Kong Ballet dancers in Turandot.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
(Stage photos from Turandot November 6th performance)
Liu Yu-yao as Turandot and Wei Wei as Calaf in Turandot.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
(Stage photos from Turandot November 6th performance)
Liu Yu-yao as Turandot, Wei Wei as Calaf and The Hong Kong Ballet dancers in Turandot.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
(Stage photos from Turandot November 6th performance)
From the left:
Mr Steve Barclay, Director of HKETONY; Ms Karen Hansen, Provost of University of Minnesota; Ms Melissa Ng, Press Officer of HKETONY; Mr Paul Tam, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Ballet.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
From the left:
Ms Madeleine Onne, Artistic Director of The Hong Kong Ballet; Ms Karen Hansen, Provost of University of Minnesota; Mr Paul Tam, Executive Director of The Hong Kong Ballet.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
From the left:
Mr Joseph Morrissey, Director of Artistic Planning & Touring of The Hong Kong Ballet, Ms Christine Tschida, Director of Northrop; Mr Liang Jing, Senior Ballet Master of The Hong Kong Ballet.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
Mr Steve Barclay, Director of HKETONY and Ms Madeleine Onne, Artistic Director of The Hong Kong Ballet.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
The Hong Kong Ballet dancers with Mr Steve Barclay, Director of HKETONY. From the left: Mr Xia Jun; Ms Liu Wei Nan; Ms Sarah Yeung; Mr Steve Barclay; Ms Zhang Si Yuan; Mr Li Jia-bo; Ms Liu Yu-yao; Mr Wei Wei; Ms Liu Miao-miao.
Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
