The National Ballet of Canada

2007 / 2008

Etudes & the second detail & The Fiddle and The Drum


The Fiddle and The Drum is a collaboration between Jean Grand-Maitre, Alberta Ballet’s Artistic Director, and renowned singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell.

The programme also includes William Forsythe's the second detail, which was created for the National Ballet in 1991, and Harald Lander's tribute to the art of classical dance, Etudes.


 
 
June 2008
  13 Friday - 7:30PM
14 Saturday
- 2:00PM
14 Saturday
- 7:30PM
15 Sunday - 2:00PM
18 Wednesday - 7:30PM
19 Thursday- 2:00PM
19 Thursday - 7:30PM
20 Friday - 7:30PM
21 Saturday - 2:00PM
21 Saturday - 7:30PM
22 Sunday - 2:00PM
Etudes

Harald Landers' Etudes is one of the most popular of all ballets, an affectionate and exhilarating tribute to the very art form of classical dance. Using the routine of a ballet class, the work begins with dancers at the barre, and then sees them perform increasingly more difficult and virtuosic exercises, building to a truly rapturous and celebratory climax.

"...bold and exquisite...an explosive dance kaleidoscope that is nothing short of breathtaking.” - The Toronto Sun, 2005

 
"Harald Lander's Etudes, that quintessential homage to a dancer's classical training” - The Hamilton Spectator, 1993

the second detail

Iconoclast, provocateur, poet of the anti-ballet, William Forsythe has proven himself time and again a master of the deconstructivist mode, all the while forging a choreographic world utterly and distinctively his own. the second detail is quintessential Forsythe, oblique, hard-edged, playful and physical. Bristling with technique and a love of pure movement, it is a work that alters one's very perception of what dance is.

"As violent, hard-edged, and energizing as New York City, as weirdly stylish as the set's Issey Miyake dress or the Paris of Jean-Jacques Beineix's Diva, this full-tilt ensemble work conveys insouciance but demands, and gets, full commitment from every dancer. The company has never looked more exciting." - The Globe and Mail, 1993

"It is a masterpiece by an American genius working at the peak of his powers." - The Washington Times, 1992

The Fiddle and The Drum

Choreography: Jean Grand-Maitre
Music: Joni Mitchell

The Fiddle and The Drum is a collaboration between Jean Grand-Maitre, Alberta Ballet’s Artistic Director, and renowned singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell. The piece was first performed by Alberta Ballet in February 2007 as one of several pieces in a series entitled Dancing Joni and Other Works. The Fiddle and The Drum is performed by twenty-five dancers and features nine songs from Mitchell’s musical repertoire, including three new compositions. Most of the songs are from Mitchell’s 1980s album Dog eat Dog, with the most recognizable being Big Yellow Taxi.

The Fiddle and The Drum has a series of modern themes which Mitchell and Grand-Maitre were interesed in exploring. These themes include environmental and world violence, war and revolution. Throughout the production a series of Mitchell's paintings are projected on a screen behind the dancers, further articulating the themes of war and revolution.

“…the choreography responds more abstractly to the rhythms of the music and the melody of Mitchell’s voice… the company superbly fulfilled Grand-Maitre’s many gorgeous arabesques and leaps, and their athleticism, grace and unpretentious artistry was refreshing.” - The Dance Current, 2007

“…a great artist has inspired greatness in her fellow artists. The ballets themselves are athletic and earthy. There's a sensuality to the moves that reflect the anger and passion of the songs themselves.” - The Calgary Sun, 2007

“[Grand-Maître] avoided choreographing literal movements to words, and his choreographic relationship to the music was occasionally stunning. [He] created streams and eddies of constantly flowing movement, filling the stage with eye-catching dance.” - The Globe and Mail, 2007

Groups of ten or more save 20% off regular ticket prices.

Prices

Section
Single Ticket Prices
Group Ticket Prices
Orchestra 1.1 $155.00 $125.00
Orchestra 1.2 $135.00 $109.00
Grand Ring $200.00 $161.00
Ring 3 $120.00 $97.00
Ring 4 $85.00 $69.00
Ring 5.1 $55.00 $45.00
Ring 5.2 $45.00 $37.00

* Minimum 10 tickets
Service Charges: Number of tickets:
10 - 49: $10.00
50 - 99: $20.00
100+: $25.00
The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Located at 145 Queen St. W., on a full city block bordered by University Avenue, Queen, Richmond and York streets. The main entrance is at the southeast corner of Queen and University. There is a direct entrance to the centre from the parking garage.

Parking: There is parking for approximately 200 vehicles underneath the building. The parking entrance is on York Street, south of Queen Street.
 
Please note that traffic on York Street is now two-way between Queen and Richmond streets. Additional parking for all events is just steps away at the GREEN P lot under Nathan Phillips Square. For directions, visit www.greenp.com.

Subway Entrance:
NOW OPEN! Direct stair and elevator access into the building is available via the southeast exit of Osgoode Subway Station.

Passenger Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Beginning in early 2007, the designated drop-off area will be on the east side of University Avenue between Richmond and Queen streets.

Directions:
From West (Detroit, London, Airport): Take Highway 401 East to Highway 427 South. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Take QEW East to Gardiner Expressway. Exit at York Street and proceed north to Richmond Street West. Turn left on Richmond Street to University Avenue. Turn right on University Avenue and the Four Seasons Centre is located on the right-hand side (southeast corner of University Avenue and Queen Street).

From East (Montreal, Kingston): Follow Highway 401 West to the Don Valley Parkway (DVP). Take DVP south to Richmond Street exit. Head west on Richmond Street to University Avenue. Turn right on University Avenue and the Four Seasons Centre is located on the right-hand side (southeast corner of University Avenue and Queen Street).

From North (Barrie, Sudbury): Take Highway 400 south to Highway 401 East to Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and then south on the DVP. Exit at Richmond Street. Head west on Richmond Street to University Avenue. Turn right on University Avenue and the Four Seasons Centre is located on the right-hand side (southeast corner of University Avenue and Queen Street).

From South (Niagara Falls, Buffalo): Take Queen Elizabeth Way East to Gardiner Expressway. Exit at York Street and proceed north to Richmond Street West. Turn left on Richmond Street to University Avenue. Turn right on University Avenue and the Four Seasons Centre is located on the right-hand side (southeast corner of University Avenue and Queen Street.
1. Is there parking nearby?
There is parking for approximately 200 vehicles underneath the Four Season Centre building. The parking entrance is on York Street, south of Queen Street. Please note that traffic on York Street is now two-way between Queen and Richmond streets. Additional parking for all events is just steps away at the GREEN P lot under Nathan Phillips Square. For directions, visit www.greenp.com.

2. Can my group attend a ballet talk before the performance?
Yes, The National Ballet invites you to attend Ballet Talks 45 minutes before every show. These informative, engaging talks are hosted by a roster of ballet experts and offer interesting insights on the performance you are about to see. The talks are free to all ticket holders and take place in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in the City Room of the Four Seasons Centre.
Groups of ten or more save 20% off regular ticket prices.

• One complimentary ticket per ten paid tickets (to a maximum of 4) on all orders received a   minimum of one week prior to the performances.
• Low handling fee of $10 for groups of 10 – 49, $20 for groups of 50-99 and $25 for groups of 100   or more.
• For orders placed more than a month in advance, a non-refundable deposit of 20% and the   handling fee is due within 5 business days of booking.
• Full payment is required immediately on any orders booked less than 30 days prior to the show   date requested.
• Final Payment: The balance is due 30 days prior to show date on advance orders. If not received   by due date, seats will be released without notice. Deposit and handling fee will be forfeited to The   National Ballet of Canada.
• Our Group Sales Representatives work with you to get the best seats available in your desired   price range. The earlier you book, the better your chance of getting excellent seats.

Note: All sales are final. There are no exchanges or refunds.




Click below for a more detailed PDF of the Four Seasons seating map
Section Seating Map ( Adobe Reader Required )
Orchestra View
Grand Ring View
Ring 3 View
Ring 4 View
Ring 5 View