Kirov - Mariinsky Ballet 2 public performances Bangkok Dec 0

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"For all ballet-lovers in Bangkok - and for everyone who loves spectacle, dance and dazzling performances by some of the finest dancers in the world - the visit of the Mariinsky Ballet Company from December 6 to 8 will be an occasion to recount to the grandchildren, as this appearance by the historic company will be in celebration of His Majesty the Kings's 80th birthday, and was arranged at the request of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Her Majesty saw a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg on her visit to Russia in July, and it became known to President Vladimir Putin that her wish would be to see a performance in Bangkok in honour of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday. President Putin then arranged performances on three nights at the Thailand Cultural Centre as a gift from the Russian Federation to Their Majesties.

The elegant and romantic movement of Chopiniana.

Marius Petipa's Talisman.

There will be two performances for the public on December 6 and 8, with a special performance for Their Majesties and the Royal Family and guests on December 7. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Ananda Mahidol Foundation."

Full article
http://www.bangkokpost.com/231107_Realt ... real21.php (http://www.bangkokpost.com/231107_Realtime/23Nov2007_real21.php)

http://www.thaiticketmaster.com/events/marinsky_eng.php

P S It used to be The Kirov Ballet Leningrad and they have reverted to their original names

The Mariinsky Ballet St. Petersburg.

You know me - show me some nice trainers, a hint of leg and I'm on board.

[Marsilius]

I don't want to put a damper on the occasion - after all, any opportunity for western-culture vultures in Thailand must be a good thing - but it's a shame that Putin didn't send the Bolshoi company instead.

I've seen both the Mariinsky/Kirov and the Bolshoi in London in the past year or so and the Bolshoi, as confirmed by media critics, are currently way ahead in overall artistic standards.

As you well say Marsillus - dampers are not called for. On the very rare occasions when a major Western company of the performing arts visits Thailand - it's a big treat and all compliments of Russia - well ticket sales are going to The Mahidol University.

Queen Sikrit requested the Kirov so Putin complied.

A Google of Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet company will show some stunning recent reviews - October 07. I doubt that anyone will be less than delightd by this world class company performing an attractive programme.

e.g.

"http://www.ballet.co.uk/magazines/yr_07/nov07/gw_rev_vishneva_kirov_1007.htm

'Vishneva concluded the gala with an emotional performance of тАШThe Dying SwanтАЩ and her portrayal of the gradual extinction of this majestic, noble and yet ultimately fragile icon of the ballet was as fine as any IтАЩve ever seen, delivered with the perfect mix of grace, beauty and fluttering, fading magnificence.'

'Vishneva back ten or more times; some students from the Academy who had performed with her came back on stage to get a very special autograph and after perhaps the tenth curtain call, Diana was persuaded to reprise the dying Swan for the dedicated cohort of diehard fans left in the theatre'.

'As a gala, Vishneva and her collaborators have redefined the genre; as an event, it was stunning, spectacular and innovative, like nothing else IтАЩve ever seen in dance.'

October 2007
St Petersburg, Mariinsky Theatre
by Graham Watts

Not even standing room available now.