PAUL SAVIDENT: Press Release for the National Ballet of Latvia in SWAN LAKE

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.

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.

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”.

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) – full dates and performance times below.

The city of Riga was founded under German rule in 1201, and the country of Latvia has been under the rule of many realms since, including Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and, of course, Russia and the USSR. The 21 August 1991 saw the complete re-instatement of Latvia as an independent country, and following last year’s success at the Eurovision Song Contest, eyes around the world will be on Riga again this year as it hosts the Eurovision Song Contest 2003.

The National Ballet of Latvia’s tour of Swan Lake is presented by Artsworld Presentations. Under the banners of Visiting Dance and Visiting Opera, they have introduced ballet and opera companies from Russia and other Eastern European countries, including the hugely successful St Petersburg Ballet Theatre, to both overwhelming demand and great acclaim throughout Britain and abroad.

Glasgow, Theatre Royal

Mon 31 March – Sat 5 April

Performance Times: Evenings 7.15pm, mats Fri 1.30pm & Sat 2.15pm

Booking Number: 0141 332 9000

London, Wimbledon Theatre

Tue 8 – Sat 12 April

Performance Times: Evenings 7.30pm, mats Thur & Sat 2.30pm

Booking Number: 020 8540 0362

Belfast, Grand Opera House

Mon 14 – Sat 19 April

Performance Times: Evenings 7.45pm, Sat mat 2.30pm

Booking Number: 02890 241919

For INTERVIEWS, editorial information and photos (by e-mail) please contact Paul Savident on 020 7734 8400, or fax 020 7734 3007, e-mail on paul@savident.com or view www.savident.com.

Up to date information on the production can always be found by visiting

www.savident.com and clicking on SWAN LAKE down the left hand side.