Last Thursday , Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, was thrilled to announce a vibrant 2024-2025 season in a private reception held at Montreal’s Place des Arts, commemorating the 100th birthday of founder Ludmilla Chiriaeff’s and the 60th anniversary of Fernand Nault’s beloved “Nutcracker“.
Cantata delivered an unforgettable journey through the boundless realms of artistic expression, showcasing the extraordinary talents of seasoned virtuosos, alongside emerging luminaries in the world of choreography.
From the pulsating rhythms of Podium, a visionary creation by the talented Étienne Delorme, to the tender embrace of In Honor Of, choreographed by the masterful Bridget Breiner, the evening unfolded as a tapestry of grace and dynamism.
Costumes : Julie Pelletier
Lighting : Chantal Labonté
Music : Charles Bicari, Marie Davidson, Nina Kraviz, Leigh Walker and Zao Dinel
Photo : Sasha Onyshchenko
In Podium, dancers clad in sleek motorcycle helmets and sleek suits reminiscent of Formula 1 attire, propelled themselves into a realm of electrifying movement set to the backdrop of mesmerizing electronic beats. Delorme’s bold choreography infused with multiple micro movements “on pointe”, deftly juxtaposed classical elegance with contemporary flair, captivating audiences with its sheer vitality and precision.
Assistant to the choreographer : Sébastien Mari
Dancers : Raphaël Bouchard, Emma Garau Cima, Célestin Boutin
Costumes : Thomas Lempertz
Lighting : Marc Parent
Music : Georgs Pelēcis, In Honour of Henry Purcell
Photo : Sasha Onyshchenko
Meanwhile, In Honor Of transported spectators into a realm of sublime beauty, as performers seamlessly wove intricate pas de trois, evoking a sense of ethereal poetry and serenity. Breiner’s masterful composition exuded a palpable sense of harmony and fluidity, enveloping viewers in a transcendent experience with lingering effects.
Dancers : Carrigan MacDonald
Costumes : Marija Djordjevic
Lighting: Chantal Labonté
Music : Ezio Bosso, Hania Rani, Dominique Charpentier and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaïkovski
Photo: Sasha Onyshchenko
As the evening progressed, the stage was set ablaze with the celestial wonders of Nebe, an evocative piece by choreographers Jérémy Galdeano and Věra Kvarčáková. Against a backdrop of haunting melodies and thin laser beams, dancers embarked on a mesmerizing exploration of the heavens, navigating the delicate balance between earthly existence and celestial aspirations.
Finally, Cantata, the crowning jewel of the evening, unfurled in a breathtaking spectacle of sight and sound. Choreographed by the visionary Mauro Bigonzetti, this majestic opus transported audiences to the sun-drenched landscapes of southern Italy, where the haunting melodies of traditional live folk songs accompanied by an accordion, mingled with the exuberant rhythms of street dance.
At its core, Cantata transcends mere performance; it embodies humanity’s limitless creativity and resilience, serving as a testament to the profound ability of art to unify and ignite inspiration.
The audience, left Place des Arts with hearts full and spirits lifted, eagerly anticipating the next enchanting chapter and new 2024-25 Season in the illustrious legacy of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.
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