George balanchine at Opéra National De Paris - Palais Garnier

Three abstract ballets by George Balanchine, brought together in one evening, allow us to appreciate the wealth and creativity of this major 20th century choreographer for whom dance was a true visualisation of music. Mozartiana, devised to a score by Tchaikovsky in which the composer pays tribute to Mozart in short re-orchestrated extracts, is entering the Paris Opera Ballet’s repertoire. This pure dance poignantly captures the score’s melancholic sensitivity and brings together the students of the Ballet School with the soloists. Violin Concerto is one of Balanchine’s “black and white” ballets. The work embraces Stravinsky’s score offering a skilful blend of ensembles and pas de deux. Finally, Brahms-Schönberg Quartet is set to music by Brahms and orchestrated by Schönberg. This ballet follows the score’s romantic and lyrical movements. The sets and costumes are the brainchild of Karl Lagerfeld, another great master of pure lines and elegance.