Berlioz, Stravinksy, and a Hint of Australia

The best part about living in Paris is having such a central location.  The problem with living in Paris is figuring out when to find the time and money to do everything!

Taking a look into the orchestra pit at the Châtelet Theatre.

Tonight I attended the Australian Ballet at the Châtelet Theatre.  One word = Incredible!  I would have easily gone by myself, but Alison, Katie, Laura, and Kelly decided to join me!  The program consisted of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and Stravinky’s Rites.  We had great seats for the ballet… unfortunately I was unable to have a clear view of the percussion section.  The orchestra was amazing and the percussionists had the right touch.  Each note they played sounded and felt incredible.  They were so good!!!  The dancers were also very talented!

Having studied Symphonie Fantastique and Rites while attending FSU and knowing the dark and twisted stories behind the music made the ballet performance so much more interesting.  While dancing to Stravinsky, the Australian Ballet Company projected an eerie grey scale photo of a girl’s face.  She seemed to be staring into your eyes during the entire performance.  The dancers were wearing nude colored leotards and were smeared in red clay.  At one point, the dancers poured water over each other while crawling on the ground to the deep vibrations of the orchestra.  I kept getting chills from the music, dancers, and images.  It was unreal.

My night was so fulfilling, perfect, and ended with a surprise!  While at the Châtelet Theatre, I discovered that one of the French Ballet companies is featuring Edward Scissorhands!  Danny Elfman’s music from the movie is so catchy, I can’t help but love it.  Edward aux mains d’ argent is being performed from early October through late November!  I’m definitely going to see the performance more than once :-)

The orchestra, dancers, and stage at the Australian Ballet in the Châtelet Theatre.

Edward Scissorhands!!

~ by Nicole on September 29, 2008.