Graz Opera

Danced Bach variations full of power and dynamism

Philipp Imbach, Stephanie Carpio and the ensemble in "Strings attached"(Bild: Andreas J. Etter)

Three choreographers, three very different dance pieces, a fantastic ballet ensemble and a musical authority - that was the essence of the latest premiere of "Bach Variations" at the Graz Opera. An experience for all dance lovers.

Three very different choreographic styles in just one evening is rarely experienced in this quality. Ballet director Dirk Elwert invited Anne Jung, Pablo Girolami and Andonis Foniadakis to develop their very own existential explorations of contemporary Bach arrangements. The fact that they were able to draw on the excellent and highly motivated dancers of the Graz Ballet Company made this evening a very special one.

A strong start
Anne Jung's "Strings attached" was breathtaking and touching to start with. She framed her energetic dance vocabulary with a poetic narrative, mixing classical pointe dance with a very contemporary language of movement, exploring traditions with a constantly forward-looking gaze (costumes: Elisabeth Perteneder). She used arrangements of Bach's cello suites by Peter Gregson as a musical basis - and left her audience in awe.

Danced visions of the future by Pablo Girolami(Bild: Andreas J. Etter)

Portuguese DJ Guilherme Curado also provided free improvisations on Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor for Pablo Girolami's "Kepler-69c". In it, the young choreographer explores a movement language of the future on an alien planet. The futuristic costumes were designed by Silke Fischer and the impressive lighting, as in part one, was created by Johannes Schadl.

A whirlwind of colors and movements: "Selon Désir"(Bild: Andreas J. Etter)

In the third part, Andonis Foniadakis finally unleashed a whirlwind of dance with "Selon Désir". The ensemble swept across the stage with incredible power and dynamism, spanning an arc from earthly energy to heavenly sounds. To this end, he used choruses from Bach's Passions, which Julien Tarride gave a contemporary dress. The colorful costumes by Anastasious Sofroniou and the lighting by Sakis Birbilis also paid tribute to the vibrant life. 

Magnificent ballet ensemble
In addition to all the wonderful choreography, it was an evening of dancers who were once again able to show what a broad repertoire of movements they have at their disposal and how skillfully they can combine strength and aesthetics - from solos to large ensemble scenes. A strong recommendation for ballet and dance lovers.