PAUL SAVIDENT: A Christmas Carol National Tour 2002

The legendary National Ballet of Latvia (formerly The Riga Ballet) arrives in Britain at the end of March for a three week season of their exquisite production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic Swan Lake. This production is presented by Artsworld Presentations whose seasons have become a fixture in the diaries of ballet and opera lovers, as well as in the diaries of those people who appreciate quality theatre and entertainment.

The National Ballet of Latvia, originally known as The Riga Ballet, dates back to the late 18^th century. Since its inception, many of Russia’s most celebrated names have danced at Riga, from the great Marius Petipa, creator of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, to Anna Pavlova, Mikhail Fokine, Marius Liepa and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Today, under Artistic Director Aivars Leimanis, a new generation of stars are maintaining the name of this fine company.

Aivars Leimanis says of this ballet: ”Swan Lake is a popular performance both at our theatre in Riga and around the world. The powerful story of the doomed love of Prince Siegfried for the beautiful Odette, transformed by a wicked sorcerer into a swan, has captured the hearts the world over. It is the ballet of ballets, which has attracted, and will always attract, an audience who desire excellence. I believe Swan Lake is eternal as it unites the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky and the brilliant choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov”.

This national tour provides a rare opportunity to see one of the great classical ballet companies in the world in a glorious production which promises exquisite dance in the Russian tradition from a full-sized corps de ballet, with top class soloists, Tchaikovsky’s most romantic score, evocative scenery, dazzling costumes, and live music performed by the Orchestra of Latvia National Opera and Ballet, conducted by Andris Nelsons. The production is designed by Liga Purmale, with costumes by Vecella Varslavane and lighting by David Harvey.

The renowned National Ballet of Latvia has been persuaded to exchange the brilliant white and gold magnificence of Riga’s Opera House for a UK presentation to three historic theatres. The tour begins at the prestigious home of Scottish Opera, the Theatre Royal in Glasgow (Mon 31 March – Sat 5 April), before moving to the lovingly restored Edwardian Wimbledon Theatre in London (Tue 8 – Sat 12 April), and finally playing Belfast’s Grand Opera House (Mon 14 – Sat 19 April).

“This is truly a company worth seeing”

The Herald, Scotland

“A joy to watch”

The Manchester Evening News

“This was a fine performance from a good company.

The greatest pleasure was less in the individual performance than in the

Riga Ballet’s academic schooling, its assured classical identity”

The Dancing Times

“Displaying discipline, beauty of line and an intrinsic understanding of the work,

it made for a rare treat and cannot be recommended highly enough”

Scotland, The Daily Mail

“These ballet dancers are truly world class”

Nottingham Evening Post

If you would like to be kept informed of future dates for performances by the National Ballet of Latvia, or Artsworld Presentations, please send an e-mail to

EnquiryforArtsworldPresentations@savident.com