08.02.2013
Latest News from Nacho Duato
In August 2014, Nacho Duato will become Artistic Director of the Staatsballett Berlin. He will be taking over from Vladimir Malakhov, whose contract runs out at that time. Nacho Duato will remain as full Artistic Director of the Mikhailovsky Theatre Ballet until 1 February 2014, and will continue to work with the company on a regular basis as choreographer thereafter.
„My ‘Russian period’ has been very important to me“, said Duato, talking about his plans. „The experience that I have gained and continue to gain in Russia has been absolutely priceless. But no one can occupy two chairs at once. When I received the offer from Berlin, I discussed it with Vladimir Kekhman in detail, and he was very understanding. I think we have found a way to adjust my ongoing obligations with the Mikhailovsky Theatre appropriately. I have no intention of bidding farewell to either Russia, or my dancers. My future projects in Berlin will include co-productions with the Mikhailovsky Theatre, exchanges of leading dancers from both companies, and other forms of collaboration.“
For his part, the theatre’s General Director, Vladimir Kekhman, noted: "The new quality which the Mikhailovsky Ballet has acquired thanks to Nacho Duato is plain to see. I’m infinitely grateful to this extraordinary master for everything that he has already done and will continue to do for our theatre. Back in the early stages of discussing the possibility of coming to work for us, Duato outlined two phases in his work with the company: first, the performers would train exclusively under him; later, once the company was ready, he would begin exploring different artistic directions and bring in other choreographers. It is safe to say that the first phase has been successfully completed. We will announce the name of the new Artistic Director, who will lead the company in 2014, before the end of the season.
Duato’s upcoming projects at the Mikhailovsky include the production of a new one-act ballet set to music by Andrzej Panufnik (under the working title Promenade). At the same time, Duato’s legendary Na Floresta, a ballet set to music by Heitor Villa-Lobos, will also be staged at the Mikhailovsky. The première will take place in May. In December 2013, the choreographer will present to audiences his version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Turning to classic titles has become a staple of Duato’s ‘Russian period’. Nacho Duato will continue to stage new productions and remain personally in charge of shaping and ensuring the impeccable execution of his ballets.
„My ‘Russian period’ has been very important to me“, said Duato, talking about his plans. „The experience that I have gained and continue to gain in Russia has been absolutely priceless. But no one can occupy two chairs at once. When I received the offer from Berlin, I discussed it with Vladimir Kekhman in detail, and he was very understanding. I think we have found a way to adjust my ongoing obligations with the Mikhailovsky Theatre appropriately. I have no intention of bidding farewell to either Russia, or my dancers. My future projects in Berlin will include co-productions with the Mikhailovsky Theatre, exchanges of leading dancers from both companies, and other forms of collaboration.“
For his part, the theatre’s General Director, Vladimir Kekhman, noted: "The new quality which the Mikhailovsky Ballet has acquired thanks to Nacho Duato is plain to see. I’m infinitely grateful to this extraordinary master for everything that he has already done and will continue to do for our theatre. Back in the early stages of discussing the possibility of coming to work for us, Duato outlined two phases in his work with the company: first, the performers would train exclusively under him; later, once the company was ready, he would begin exploring different artistic directions and bring in other choreographers. It is safe to say that the first phase has been successfully completed. We will announce the name of the new Artistic Director, who will lead the company in 2014, before the end of the season.
Duato’s upcoming projects at the Mikhailovsky include the production of a new one-act ballet set to music by Andrzej Panufnik (under the working title Promenade). At the same time, Duato’s legendary Na Floresta, a ballet set to music by Heitor Villa-Lobos, will also be staged at the Mikhailovsky. The première will take place in May. In December 2013, the choreographer will present to audiences his version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Turning to classic titles has become a staple of Duato’s ‘Russian period’. Nacho Duato will continue to stage new productions and remain personally in charge of shaping and ensuring the impeccable execution of his ballets.
