Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, under the artistic direction of Philippe Cohen, is one of the most exciting dance companies I’ve seen in recent years. They will be performing an intriguing program of two works by leading contemporary choreographers: Lux by Ken Ossola and Glory by Andonis Foniadakis. Performances will take place at the Israeli Opera – Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center on December 19 – 22, 2016.
Lovers of Handel, this is your moment to delight in the ballet. Glory, choreographed by Andonis Foniadakis is an entrancing spectacle, opening with a lone dancer in a sheer black gown emerging from the mists. Moving like a sorceress, she summons up visions: a series of vignettes that gather momentum as the dance develops. Each scene with different configurations of dancers, mood and movement, creating layers of color and sensation, from the spectacular vision of the dancer with her many-paneled skirt held aloft by a bevy of attendants, to the people’s celebration of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” performed in costumes reminiscent of street clothes. Born in Crete, Andonis Foniadakis heads his own dance company in addition to creating choreography for other companies and projects, including Darren Aronofsky’s film Noah.
Lux, choreographed by Ken Ossola, is set to Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. Ossola studied dance in Geneva, dancing in Jiri Kylian’s company then joining the Netherlands Dance Theatre in 1992. A specialist in the works of Kylian, he has set works with many prominent international dance companies, such as ABT and the Paris Opera Ballet, while pursuing his career as an independent choreographer. In addition to the commission of Lux for the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, he has created works for NDT2 and the Jeune Ballet de Lyon.
Founded in 1962, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève is one of the foremost contemporary ballet companies. Directed by Tobias Richter, and under the artistic direction of Phillipe Cohen since 2003, the company’s excellent technique is well matched by a challenging and creative repertoire.
Performances: Monday, December 19th; Tuesday, December 20th; Wednesday, December 21st, and Thursday, December 22nd – all at 20:00.
Tickets are 149 – 299 NIS, and may be ordered via The Israeli Opera website.
