UOB Proudly Presents Le Corsaire (The Pirate) Cast Announced
Asian Première Sails into Hong Kong in November!
[Hong Kong – 20 October 2017] Hong Kong Ballet announces the official cast list of Le Corsaire, the exciting Asian première of a classic ballet choreographed by Anna-Marie Holmes, former Artistic Director of Boston Ballet.
Guest ballet superstar Maria Kochetkova, Principal Dancer of San Francisco Ballet, will partner the Company’s Principal Dancer Wei Wei to perform as the beautiful slave girl Medora and pirate captain Conrad, while another guest artist Matthew Golding, former Principal Dancer of The Royal Ballet and Guest Principal Dancer of Dutch National Ballet and Bavarian State Ballet, will partner the Company’s principal ballerina Jin Yao for selected performances. Principal Dancer Ye Feifei and Soloist Gao Ge will also be performing in the role of Medora, partnering Li Jiabo and Wei Wei as Conrad respectively.
Cast list for lead roles:
| Date/Time | 3 Nov 7:30pm 4 Nov 7:30pm |
4 Nov 2:30pm | 5 Nov 2:30pm | 10 Nov 7:30pm 11 Nov 7:30pm |
10 Nov 2:30pm | 11 Nov 2:30pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conrad | WEI Wei | Matthew GOLDING | Matthew GOLDING | LI Jiabo | WEI Wei | WEI Wei |
| Ali | LI Jiabo | LI Lin | LI Lin | SHEN Jie | Shunsuke ARIMIZU | Shunsuke ARIMIZU |
| Medora | Maria KOCHETKOVA | JIN Yao | JIN Yao | YE Feifei | GAO Ge | GAO Ge |
| Lankendem | XIA Jun | Garry CORPUZ | WEI Wei | WEI Wei | Garry CORPUZ | XIA Jun |
| Gulnare | YE Feifei | WANG Qingxin | CHEN Zhiyao | CHEN Zhiyao | WANG Qingxin | YE Feifei |
| Birbanto | SHEN Jie | Jonathan SPIGNER | Jonathan SPIGNER | LI Lin | Lucas JERKANDER | Lucas JERKANDER |
An exotic fable of a dashing pirate’s love for a beautiful harem girl, Le Corsaire features captive maidens, rich pashas, suspenseful abductions, dramatic rescues and a poisoned rose, culminating in an unexpected shipwreck that’s one of the most breathtaking spectacles in all of ballet! Based on The Corsair by Lord Byron, this exhilarating production is full of adventure, action, comedy, and romance with a famous pas de trois from its colourful cast of characters.
Le Corsaire will run from 3-5, 10-12 November 2017 Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre for eight performances. Tickets are priced at $680, $480, $280 and $140, available at URBTIX now. Suitable for ages 3 and above. Limited tickets left for some performances!
Critical Acclaim for Anna-Marie Holme’s Le Corsaire
‘Le Corsaire is all about dancing fireworks.’ The Times
‘Overflowing with colourful costumes, pirates, sumptuous scenery and dance party pieces.’ Financial Times
‘The most thrilling of all classical ballets.’ The Evening Standard
About Le Corsaire
Pirate captain Conrad and his faithful crew sail across the high seas to rescue Medora, Conrad’s love, from the slave trader Lankendem, who sells slave girls in a busy market place. When the Pasha, governor of the citadel, arrives, Lankendem presents the enigmatic Gulnare, and the Pasha buys her immediately. Meanwhile, Medora attempts to escape with the help of Conrad’s slave, Ali, but is stopped by the Pasha. Seeing her beauty, he buys her as well. Consumed with love for her, Conrad commands Ali and the pirates to raid the village, kidnapping both Medora and Lankendem and bringing them to their secret hideaway.
Medora pleads for the slave girls’ freedom, and while Conrad agrees, Birbanto, his second-in-command rebels, causing a ferocious fight. After Conrad wins, Birbanto sprays a rose with a sleeping potion to send Conrad into a drugged sleep. He then tries to kidnap Medora, and in the confusion, Lankendem steals her back and escapes. When Conrad awakens, he vows to rescue his love again, while Birbanto feigns ignorance. At the Pasha’s palace, Lankendem returns Medora to the Pasha, who declares he will make her his most treasured wife. Conrad and his crew sneak into the palace in disguises and chase away the Pasha. When Medora exposes Birbanto as a traitor, Conrad shoots him, and Ali helps Medora, Gulnare and Conrad escape to the ship.
Choreography: Anna-Marie Holmes (after Konstantin Sergeyev and Marius Petipa)
In a version by Anna-Marie Holmes
Music: Adolphe Adam, Cesare Pugni, Leo Delibes, Riccardo Drigo, and Prince Oldenbourg
(Re-orchestrated by Kevin Galie)
Libretto: Jules-Henri de Saint-Georges and Joseph Mazilier
(Based on The Corsair (1814) by Lord Byron)
Guest Coach: Julio Bocca
Set & Costume Design: Hugo Millán
Live Accompaniment: City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
Conductor: Judith Yan
About Maria Kochetkova
Principal Dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Born in Moscow, Russia, Maria Kochetkova trained at the Bolshoi School in Moscow and danced with The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet before joining San Francisco Ballet as Principal Dancer in 2007, and becoming Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015.
Kochetkova has won many accolades, including “Ballerina of the Year” award at Positano Premia La Danza "Léonide Massine" in 2017, nominations for the UK Critics’ Circle Dance Award for Best Female Dancer in 2014 and at the Prix Benois de la Danse in 2013 and medals at Varna International Ballet Competition and Prix de Lausanne competition.
About Matthew Golding
Former Principal Dancer, The Royal Ballet
Guest Principal Dancer, Dutch National Ballet & Bavarian State Ballet
Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Matthew Golding graduated from The Royal Ballet School with honours in 2003 and joined American Ballet Theatre before moving to Dutch National Ballet in 2009. Golding joined The Royal Ballet as Principal Dancer in 2014 and retired in 2017. He is currently a Guest Principal Dancer at Dutch National Ballet and Bavarian State Ballet.
Golding’s awards include the Dutch Zwaan Award in 2010, the Alexandra Radius Prize in 2011 and nominations for the Prix Benois de la Danse in 2012 and 2013. He also won the Youth America Grand Prix Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne in 2002.
Performance Details
3-5 & 10-12.11.2017
Fri 7:30pm | Sat 2:30pm & 7:30pm | Sun 2:30pm
8 performances
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
$1,000 (Limited VIP Tickets)
$680 $480 $280 $140 | * $340 $240 $140 $70
* Available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above and people with disabilities
Guest Appearances
Maria Kochetkova 3 & 4.11.2017 7:30pm
Matthew Golding 4 & 5.11.2017 2:30pm
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 15 minutes, including two intermissions
Discounts
|
50% off |
Full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and the minder (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 Hong Kong Ballet |
|
10% off (First two tickets) |
CCDC Dance Inspirations card holders, Members of Chung Ying Theatre’s Energy Fun Club Plus, Friends of HKCO, Friends of HKDC Prestige Members, HK Phil Club Bravo members, Members of HKRep Pals, Zuni’s Friends, Fringe Club Members, Hong Kong Dance Alliance members, Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association members and HKBU Foundation 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.
$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.
15% Off Food and Beverage at InterContinental Hong Kong
Ticket holders can enjoy 15% off food and beverage in all restaurants and bars at InterContinental Hong Kong before or after the performance upon presentation of their tickets on the performance date. Terms and conditions apply
Enquiries: 2313 2323 / [email protected]
Website: hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
Programme Plus!
The Preview of Le Corsaire
Come learn more about the history, music and characters of Le Corsaire, an exotic fable of a dashing pirate’s love for a beautiful harem girl! Featuring one of the most breathtaking spectacles in all ballet, Le Corsaire is filled with technical and dramatic challenges. During the evening, you will be treated to selected excerpts from the production by Hong Kong Ballet dancers. Both informative and enjoyable, this preview is a perfect way to begin your memorable theatre experience!
Date: 24.10.2017 (Tue)
Time: 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Venue: GR3, 8/F, Grand Theatre Backstage, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Free admission
Conducted in English
Suitable for ages 6 and above
Limited capacity, advance registration required
Registration Details: hkballet.com/preview
Pre-performance Talks
Gain valuable insight into the exotic pirate fable Le Corsaire from the talented team working behind the scenes to bring this production to life! These interesting and informative talks feature artists and the members from the Company in conversation about the production. Whether you’re new to ballet or simply interested in hearing how music and movement come together, don’t miss out on this fascinating talk before the show to delve deeper into your theatre experience!
4.11.2017 (Sat)
1:50pm - 2:10pm [Conducted in Cantonese]
6:50pm - 7:10pm [Conducted in English]
Level 2 Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
The programme is approximately 20 minutes long.
Free admission with Le Corsaire tickets.
Pre-performance Workshop
Children ages 4-11 will love this hands-on introduction to Le Corsaire through crafts, acting, story-telling, costume display and learning some of the ballet movements from the production! Discover up close the intricate details of the main characters’ shimmering costumes, and examine the props used onstage during the performance. All are welcome to this fun and educational event; no previous dance experience is necessary.
4.11.2017 (Sat)
Workshop I (ages 4-6): 10:00am - 11:00am
Workshop II (ages 7-11): 11:30am - 12:30pm
GR3, 8/F, Grand Theatre Backstage, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Fee: $90 each*
Quota: 40 each class
*10% discount for Friends of Hong Kong Ballet
Conducted in Cantonese and English
Only for Le Corsaire ticket holders or Friends of Hong Kong Ballet
Advance registration required
Registration Details: hkballet.com/workshop
Title Sponsor
| Champagne Partner | Make-up Partner |
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 |
DOWNLOAD PRESS PHOTOS
[Click on the photo to download full image]
Photo 1: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 2: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Hong Kong Ballet Dancers | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 3: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancers (from left): Ye Feifei, Li Jiabo | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 4: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancers (from left): Ye Feifei, Li Jiabo | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 5: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancer: Shen Jie | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 6: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancers (from left): Li Lin, Luis Cabrera | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 7: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancers (from left): Leung Chunlong, Lucus Jerkander, Shunsuke Arimizu, Li Lin, Luis Cabrera | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 8: Le Corsaire Promotional Image | Dancers (from left): Leung Chunlong, Lucus Jerkander, Shunsuke Arimizu, Li Lin, Luis Cabrera | Photographer: Ricky Lo
Photo 9: Maria Kochetkova | Photographer: Chris Hardy
Photo 10: Maria Kochetkova | Photographer: Erik Tomasson
Photo 11: Maria Kochetkova | Photographer: Erik Tomasson
Photo 12: Matthew Golding | Photographer: Erwin Olaf
Photo 13: Giselle (2016) | Matthew Golding as Albrecht | Photographer: Tristram Kenton | Courtesy of Royal Opera House
Photo 14: The Dream (2014) | Matthew Golding as Oberon | Photographer: Bill Cooper | Courtesy of Royal Opera House
Photo 15: The Sleeping Beauty (2014) | Matthew Golding as Prince Florimun | Photographer: Tristram Kenton | Courtesy of Royal Opera House
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 is committed to providing captivating experiences that delight and inspire audiences from all walks of life, both at home and abroad. Mr Septime Webre, former Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, joined the Company as its new Artistic Director in July.
For further information, please contact:
Nick Chan
Director of Marketing
T: 2105 9716
M: 9728 1777
[email protected]
