Stabat Mater and Beethoven's 7th Symphony a spectacular mixture of desperation and pure joy

I was very excited to attend the premiere of Stabat Mater and Beethoven's 7th symphony, as I usually am for any Grands Ballets performance, but this time particularly since it was the first "spectacle" for Ivan Cavallari, the new Artistic director. Also, the promotional video for this piece  featured my ballet teacher, the beautiful Emma Garau and was thrilled to see her and the rest of the gang perform!

The first thing I noticed was the dancers standing there, already on stage as we took our seats. It felt as though we were backstage and the dancers were the ones watching us, already positioned in their respective spots already setting a more serious climate. In the first part, the Stabat Mater performance, the dancers and the duet of singing voices immediately tap into our emotional attention and one cannot help but feel the distress. A distress and unconsolable anguish from the mother that "was standing", which is what Stabat Mater means in latin. Yet, at one point during the performance, the women dancers wore high heels, bringing us forward to a more present and urban time. Reminding us that this same distress and anguish are timeless all the while releasing us from it by dancing and expressing these emotions for us.

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After intermission, I couldn't wait to see what Les Grands Ballets had in store for us with Beethoven's 7th symphony and of course, you already know they did not disappoint. Setting a very different ambiance with their bright white leotards, the dancers were bouncing on stage like diamonds and feathers but moved with such precision. Being a drummer I can't help but look for timing with movements and let me tell you, every single jump, entrance to the stage, twirl and arabesque unfolded with the exact amount of energy to match the tempo. The dancer's movements expressed pure joy and enthusiasm, it was hard not to smile. Especially when I spotted Emma Garau on stage! I can't wait to see her in class Monday evening, what motivation for me to practice! Particularly though, I was impressed at the ease with which the dancers were able to shift from one emotionally heavy performance to such a light hearted and happy one. Each performance equally beautiful but with an extremely different presence; both will carry you away to another world; fulfilling the exact purpose of the art.

I applaud the entire team for this beautiful yin yang duo of pieces that came together exquisitely. I highly recommend you go see it...your artistic heart will thank you for it. 

Next? The Phantom of the Opera! 

Bee...living at Place des Arts these days ;)