Raymonda

ballet in three acts

music by Alexander Glazunov

Duration

2 hours 20 minutes

1 act

35 min

interval 30 min

2 act

25 min

interval 20 min

3 act

30 min

12+

for viewers over 12 years old

Cast

Nacho Duato, for the first time in his career, turns to Alexander Glazunov’s ballet “Raymonda”. The choreographer’s new production will transport audiences to the age of knights and fair ladies. As in any chivalric romance, there is room here for battles and heroism — though these occur not only on the battlefield, but also in the heart of a young girl. Will Raymonda wait faithfully for her betrothed, the crusader knight Jean de Brienne, or will she yield to the fiery passion of the Saracen Abderakhman, who is captivated by her beauty?
The exquisite sets by Jaffar Chalabi and elegant costumes by Angelina Atlagić will create a unique atmosphere of a medieval castle, where West meets East.
The principal roles are being rehearsed by Angelina Vorontsova, Anastasia Soboleva, Prisca Zeisel, Ernest Latypov, Nikita Tchetverikov, Victor Lebedev, Danila Khamzin, and Mikhail Batalov.

Act one

In the castle of the French Countess Sybille de Doris, knights are being seen off as they prepare to join the crusade led by King Andrew II of Hungary. Among the knights is Jean de Brienne, betrothed to the countess’s niece, Raymonda. He bids her farewell and gives her a scarf as a keepsake.
Worn out by thoughts of separation from her betrothed, Raymonda falls asleep. The ghost of the White Lady — guardian spirit of the House of Doris — appears. She warns Raymonda that serious trials await her. Raymonda dreams of Jean de Brienne, but suddenly, in his place, an unfamiliar knight from the East appears and declares his love for her. The girl is confused.

Act two

A feast in the castle of Sybille de Doris. The Saracen knight Abderakhman arrives with an enormous retinue. Raymonda recognizes in him the mysterious stranger from her dream. Abderakhman offers Raymonda his heart, his power, and his riches. The girl refuses his lavish gifts. Abderakhman will not accept rejection. Suddenly Jean de Brienne appears and rescues Raymonda from his persistent advances. A fight breaks out.
The countess and the king halt the fight and propose that the rivals settle the dispute in a fair duel. Abderakhman wins and raises his sword over Jean de Brienne, but stops when he sees how anxiously Raymonda watches over her betrothed. Abderakhman spares the knight’s life and leaves the castle, surrounded by his retinue.

Act three

A splendid celebration begins in the castle in honor of the wedding of Raymonda and Jean de Brienne. Countess Sybille de Doris and King Andrew II bless the young couple.