Sarasota, considered the cultural gem, if not THE cultural capital of Florida, has many bragging rights when it comes to its performing arts, but this Thanksgiving weekend Sarasota can quite rightly place itself among the cultural capitals of the world with when The Sarasota Ballet opens its 2009-2010 season with a blockbuster production of the iconic and still the hands down favorite ballet of many, Giselle.
It’s the ultimate romantic story of immediate attraction, betrayal, heartbreak and the protective powers of a faithful love that conquers death and the vengeful anger of evil spirits! Giselle and the object of her affection, Albrecht, tell their story in ways that transcend the spoken word.
First, the stars. Often compared to the famous partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg of The Royal Ballet in London will alternate in the lead roles with two principals of The Sarasota Ballet, Victoria Hulland and Octavio Martin. The production, by the renowned Sir Peter Wright, will be staged by another former star of The Royal Ballet, Margaret Barbieri, who has danced the title role of Giselle in Sir Peter’s production more than any other dancer in the world.
“I consider Sir Peter’s Giselle the best in the world and I was overwhelmed and thrilled when he generously suggested that, as his Giselle is so embedded in me, I should stage his production for Sarasota Ballet,” says Margaret Barbieri.
The sets and costumes, generously on loan from Tetsuya Kumakawa and the Tokyo Broadcasting System, were designed by Peter Farmer who has designed almost all of Sir Peter Wright’s productions worldwide since their collaboration in 1966 in their first Giselle production with the Stuttgart Ballet.
The Sarasota Ballet’s Giselle promises to be a treat for all the senses and they are sparing no effort to provide the perfect experience for its audiences. All performances will be accompanied by live orchestra under the direction of maestro Emil DeCou, himself an internationally known ballet conductor.
Instead of bracing against the November chill, a holiday weekend I here provides the thrills of world-class ballet with the sugar white sand beaches of Sarasota’s islands only moments away.
There are four performances – two evenings and two matiness - November 27 through 29 at the Sarasota Opera House. Tickets can be purchased online at www.SarasotaBallet.org or by calling 1-800-861-8388.
