Three documentaries on the Stuttgart Ballet and its outstanding dancers Marcia Haydée and Friedemann Vogel. MARCIA HAYDÉE – THE SEDUCTION TO DANCE (45 mins) Marcia Haydée – for many the “prima ballerina assoluta” of the 20th century, John Cranko’s muse and long-time director of the Stuttgart Ballet. On the occasion of her 80th birthday, the film pays homage to this unique artist by telling the ballerina’s captivating story. FRIEDEMANN VOGEL – INCARNATION OF DANCE (60 mins) Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, Tokyo’s National Theatre and of course Stuttgart Ballet – Friedemann Vogel, winner of numerous significant dance awards, has conquered the most important ballet stages in the world. This intimate portrait accompanies the luminary of the ballet scene around the world and allows insights into his life as a dancer, the constant training and rehearsals, the loneliness on tour as well as the fear of a career breaking injury. It features interviews with Vogel’s dance partners and role models at the Stuttgart Ballet, such as Marcia Haydée, and excerpts from his performances. OF MIRACLES AND SUPERHEROES – THE STUTTGART BALLET (90 mins) The documentary traces the extraordinary success story of the Stuttgart Ballet, from its rise to fame as the “Stuttgart Ballet Miracle” during the Cranko era to the ensemble’s acclaim of today. Harold Woetzel accompanied the company for one year, capturing the season’s highlights as well as everyday life at the Stuttgart Ballet.
BACH 300 – 300 Years J.S. Bach in Leipzig
An array of musical stars converges in Leipzig to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach taking up his appointment as Kantor at the city’s iconic Thomaskirche – a post that he occupied for more than a quarter of a century, covering a period in which he created many of his greatest works. On a special open-air stage in the market square of Leipzig the Thomaner Choir and the Gewandhaus Orchestra under their current Thomaskantor Andreas Reize were joined by Lang Lang, Daniel Hope, Albrecht Mayer, Sophie Kauer, Francesca Aspromonte and Cameron Shahbazi. Music includes highlights of Goldberg Variations, Mass in B Minor, Cello Suite No. 1, Double Concerto for Violin, Oboe, Strings, Orchestral Suites, various Arias…
Iolanta and the Nutcracker
When Tchaikovsky premiered his famous ballet The Nutcracker in Saint Petersburg 130 years ago, it was presented as a double bill, as standard at the time, together with the opera Iolanta. The Volksoper Wien, being part home to the famous Wiener Staatsballett, under the helm of the new artistic director Lotte de Beer and music director Omer Meir Wellber presents both works again in one evening, but not as two separate pieces, but by fusing the two works into one. It’s a “successful debut that is also musically convincing” and the “two pieces intertwine like gears”. Jorine van Beek’s costumes makes it a “feast for the eyes” (Die Presse). “This imaginative ‘music theatre for the whole family’ enchants above all the numerous children and young people. (…) The Volksoper Orchestra once again demonstrated its power of performance” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung). In short: it’s a family-show to the core!
David Garrett: ALIVE
For the first time, David Garrett performed with his band in the ancient baths of Caracalla, presenting his outstanding program ALIVE. David Garrett plays the greatest soundtracks from the world of movies and games, with numerous world hits such as Happy, Stayin’ Alive, Let it Go, Shallow, Bella Ciao, or Thriller, among others. + BONUS David Garrett – The private life of a star Included is a bonus documentary of star violinist David Garrett. Starting as a so-called Wunderkind of classical music he is now one of the most successful violinists of his generation. His recipe for success is his crossover of rock, pop and classical music: 4.5 million albums sold, 25 gold and platinum awards and enthusiastic fans on tours worldwide. By looking into an otherwise hidden world, interviews of companions, friends and family, archive and private material of previously unreleased material from his childhood underpin the picture of the violin genius showing very private glimpses of his life.