Paris Opera Ballet: GEORGE BALANCHINE

Synopsis

Ballet double bill.
Screening direct from the historic Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera Ballet perform two emblematic works by George Balanchine, one of the 20th century's most significant choreographers. Created in 1970 by the New York City Ballet, ‘Who Cares?’ is a suite of dances to songs by George and Ira Gershwin, including the classic that gives the piece its name and 'I Got Rhythm'. Against the Manhattan skyline, an ensemble performs in various formations, followed by four soloists. All combine in the playful finale in which Balanchine wanted to use classical dance to show Gershwin’s musical genius and melodic beauty. Set to Tchaikovsky’s 'Second Piano Concerto', Balanchine's brilliant ‘Ballet Impérial’ (1941) celebrates the technical virtuosity of academic ballet in the style of his 'spiritual father' Petipa and the great St Petersburg tradition.

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