The Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet

Returning to Wales Millennium Centre this spring, the Mariinsky Theatre under Artistic Director Valery Gergiev presents an exclusive residency designed to showcase the Ballet and Orchestra in some of their most exciting repertoire.

This programme brings together the full power of the Mariinsky Ballet and the Mariinsky Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev in works created on two great Russian musical scores.

Concerto DSCH is a fast-paced, one act ballet set to Dimitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.2 in F Major, a bright, optimistic response to the lifting of the repressions of the Stalinist era. Created by leading Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky for the New York City Ballet in 2008, Concerto DSCH moves from a brisk, opening march that gives a nod to the tune of Drunken Sailor, through a beautiful slow movement full of soulful strings and ends with a dazzling sprint to the finish.

Sacre is a full performance of the Rite of Spring with powerful new choreography by Sasha Waltz specially created for the Mariinsky Ballet in 2013 to mark the 100th anniversary of Stravinsky’s legendary work. Stravinsky’s crashing chords and driving rhythms caused audiences to riot when the original ballet was performed in Paris in 1913. These performances of Sacre offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience the work afresh, with Waltz’s dramatic choreography matched by the colourful virtuosity of the Mariinsky Orchestra.