Forest Song & Don Quixote
The Grand Kyiv Ballet continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Two sensational performances. One magnificent evening of ballet.
By popular demand, The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine returns to New Zealand to present again their double bill of Forest Song & Don Quixote. The audience response to their performances in 2023 was literally amazing with standing ovations following every performance.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet was founded in 2014 by Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov, previously a principal dancer with the National Opera of Ukraine for a decade. The Grand Kyiv Ballet has toured extensively throughout the world including the USA, China, Europe, Scandinavia and South America. Performances are regularly attended by Royal families, politicians and many public figures. From the first days of the war, the Grand Kyiv Ballet have performed charity tours in France, Sweden, Norway, South America, Poland and the USA.
Ukrainian ballet is an integral part of their culture, with Forest Song being a cultural showpiece. The professionalism of the artists allows them to perform high technical levels whilst portraying the positive and soulful emotions of the dance.
Act one – Forest Song
This legendary ballet, which for over 75 years remains not only the pride of Ukraine, but also of world choreography and cultural heritage. Forest Song is based on the Ukrainian folk story with music by Ukrainian composer Mikhail Skorulskyi, who created an anthem for wildlife, nature and true love, to which the main characters aspire. Forest Song is a magical love story, full of mysticism alongside the conflict between the human world and nature. It tells a tale of love between a fantastical forest creature Mavka and a man, Lukash. The story is of the fearless and brave Mavka, who longs for peace in her world, just as Ukraine longs for peace in her country today. The ballet is filled with complex duets, fouettés and incredible choreographic pieces.
Act two – Don Quixote
This flamboyant and festive Spanish ballet is a much-loved romantic comedy. It tells the story of a courageous but troubled man’s quest for love. Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza set off on an adventure together hoping to achieve great feats and bring glory to his name. Gypsies, bullfighters, lavish costumes, breath-taking dancers, and an inspiring music score ensures that Don Quixote is a not-to-be-missed experience.
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