There is more than a modicum of excitement in the dance community at the moment, as for the first time in many years, Joburg Ballet will perform to live orchestral accompaniment, courtesy of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. The season starts with South African Choreographer Veronica Paeper’s Carmen- from 6-15 April at the Joburg Theatre.

Carmen is the story of a doomed Spanish love affair between the provocative gypsy, Carmen, and the dashing soldier, Don José. Set in Spain, this ballet isn't about tutus and tiaras- it's about passion and seduction, and fate plays a lead role.

Adding to the drama will be the live music- it is always such an honour for a dancer to experience the joy of live music on stage- Artistic Director Iain MacDonald sums it up perfectly:

 “As a dancer, I was often privileged to perform with a live orchestra and know from my own career what a thrilling and enriching experience it will be, for both the company and our audiences.”

 French Composer George Bizet’s music (1838-1875) will be brought to life by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Brandon Phillips.

Cape Town-born Phillips studied conducting in the US at Northwestern University in Chicago, and as an intern with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. In 2015 he was appointed resident conductor of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Speaking on behalf of the orchestra, JPO Artistic Director and CEO Bongani Tembe said, "The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is excited by the new collaboration with Joburg Ballet. Both organizations share the mission of enriching the local community by offering high calibre productions, implementing education initiatives and offering performance opportunities to a wide range of artists."

Joburg Ballet offers a range of affordable tickets for Carmen, including 50% off on opening night, two budget priced morning matinees at 11:00, when all seats are just R100, and discounts for pensioners and groups.

Photo 1: Revil Yon & Monike Cristina- Photo Lauge Sorensen

Photo 2: Leusson Muniz & Sanmarie Kreuzhuber- Photo Lauge Sorensen

Photo 3: Conductor Brandon Phillips

Photo 4: Monike Cristina & Revil Yon- Photo Lauge Sorensen

Dates, Times, Prices:

Fri 6 Apr at 19:30 – Half Price: R100, R138, R188, R205, R238

Sat 7 Apr, Fri 13 Apr, Sat 14 Apr at 19:30 & Sat 7 Apr, Sun 8 Apr, Sat 14 Apr, Sun 15 Apr at  15:00 –R200, R275, R375, R410, R475

Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein (GPS -26.191316, 28.038519)
Book now: At Joburg Theatre Box Office; or tel. 0861 670 670; or online at www.joburgtheatre.com or www.webtickets.co.za
Patrons can also book and pay via the Nedbank app and at selected Pick n Pay stores (full list at www.webtickets.co.za/pnpoutlets.aspx)


SPONSORS
Joburg Ballet thanks Kaya FM and Creative Feel, their media partners, for their support.
They acknowledge the support of the City of Johannesburg and all their Sponsors.

Keep up to date with the company on our social media platforms; Facebook.com/joburgballet, Instagram.com/joburgballet, @JoburgBallet or online at www.joburgballet.com