Sir Mark Elder and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra present a concert experience on the highest level at the Grote Zaal of Rotterdam’s famous De Doelen Concerthouse, performing Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, together with the internationally acclaimed German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott. Elgar’s Cello Concerto, his last notable work, is a cornerstone of the solo cello repertoire and, according to Müller-Schott, one of the composer’s most personal works. It is passionately performed by this “fearless player with technique to burn” (The New York Times), considered “one of the finest cellists before the public today” (The Sunday Times).
Being a passionate admirer of Jean Sibelius, Sir Mark Elder completes his programme with the Finnish composer’s Symphony No. 1.
It is no secret that becoming a classical dancer takes extreme passion, talent and discipline. This documentary whisks its audience away into the fascinating world of classical ballet and shows young dancers from around the world on their journey to fulfilling their dreams. The film follows young dancers from the Ecole de Danse de l’Opéra National de Paris, the San Francisco Ballet School and Bavarian Junior Ballet Munich, highlighting the contrast between their struggles and the unifying love of music and dance. Through their stories, the documentary explores the challenges of achieving discipline and perfection in ballet, questioning the impact of teaching methods, power dynamics, and physical tolls on their bodies. The film offers an open look at ballet schools in Paris, San Francisco, and Munich, revealing stark differences in their approaches.
The choreographer Richard Siegal, “sought-after worldwide as the most innovative, the most exciting dance-maker of his generation” (Süddeutsche Zeitung), sets out to cross boundaries with his new company Ballet of Difference, founded in 2016. With drive and virtuosity, exceptional settings and energetic sounds, the diverse troupe merges classical ballet tradition, contemporary dance and pop culture in an extraordinary dance event and forges a unique vision of ballet’s present and future. On Body is spectacularly opened by BoD, a work that celebrates dancing on pointe and the individual’s joy to dance. In Made for Walking pale colours and austere forms dominate the stage and robust boots replace the pointe shoes. It is followed by UNITXT, a trailblazing piece of contemporary dance, in which “Richard Siegal perfects seemingly impossible movements – you can hardly believe your eyes!” (BR Klassik). Also available the Documentary Draw a Line about Richard Siegal and his Ballet of Difference A05050606
The documentary Draw a Line by Benedict Mirow accompanies Richard Siegal and Ballet of Difference during the rehearsal process for ON BODY up to the celebrated world premieres in Cologne and Munich. It shows how the diverse troupe blossoms into one of the best modern dance companies of today and it celebrates the creative talents behind Ballet of Difference. Mirow also shot in Africa to trace the African roots of Siegal’s style with which he transformed the German dance scene. A powerful film about artistic freedom, the rousing power of electronic music and the brutal passion, painful discipline and touching sensuality of dance.
