Bangkok’s 18th International Festival of Dance and Music returns to Bangkok, running from 8 September to 19 October 2016. An annual event, the festival brings renowned international music, dance and other productions to local audiences. As always, this year’s line-up is not to be missed. Below are some of the performances that families may enjoy.
Swan Lake by The Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet (Russia); Performance dates: Thursday, 8 September (7.30pm) & Friday, 9 September (7.30pm)
Stanislavsky Ballet, the ballet company of the Moscow State Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre, is one of Russia’s leading and most artistically successful ballet companies. In Bangkok, the company will present Vladimir Burmeister’s version of Swan Lake, accompanied by a masterful rendition of Tchaikovsky’s music.
Giselle by The Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet (Russia); Performance date: Sunday, 11 September (2.30pm)
The Stansilavsky Ballet also re-stages Giselle, featuring 90 dancers and much passion and drama. The performance will see conductor Anton Grishanin leading the orchestra. Accompanying him are several award winning dancers who have garnered awards at prestigious national and international contests.
Unchartered Seas by Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company (India); Performance date: Wednesday, 14 September (7.30pm)
The Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company showcases the rich classical Indian dance form of kathak – with a modern twist, challenging established norms while respecting the dance forms’s heritage and traditions. Besides the pervasive elements of music, poetry, dance, and drama, the master choreographer has introduced a special innovative percussive beat of ghungroos (anklet bells), making the presentation a scintillating spectacle.
Hollywood Sound of Cinema by Scalatheater (Switzerland); Performance date: Tuesday, 27 September (7.30pm)
Eight international singers take the audience on a magnificent journey through Hollywood’s famous film music, accompanied by costumed dancers and themed props. The company, founded in Switzerland 1959 by the Grabowsky brothers, has become one of the most successful companies in Europe.
China National Acrobatic Troupe (China); Performance dates: Friday, 30 September (7.30pm), Saturday, 1 October (2.30pm) and Sunday, 2 October (2.30pm)
This show is an elegant, acrobatic gala choreographed in celebration of the renowned China National Acrobatic Troupe’s 55th anniversary. A brand-new production, it combines stunning acrobatics with dance and drama. The troupe has won 58 gold medals at international festivals and competitions both at home and abroad, and has visited 124 countries.
An Evening of Jazz by Shuffle Demons Jazz (Canada) and Belgian Saxophone Ensemble (Belgium); Performance date: Monday, 3 October (7.30pm)
The Shuffle Demons first broke onto the Canadian music scene with an electrifying jazz musical fusion style. They have released eight CDs, two hit videos, won several music awards, done numerous television and radio appearances and toured nationally and internationally. The Belgian Saxophone Ensemble encompasses thirteen mouth-pieces, 120 fingers, 304 keys – but just one aim: to play their hearts out! At each of its concerts the Belgian Saxophone Ensemble creates a unique unrepeatable world of sound with which the audience feels completely involved.
The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol by State Ballet of Karlsruhe (Germany); Performance date: Saturday, 8 October (7.30pm) & Sunday, 9 October (2.30pm)
This magnificent work brings together 50 dancers from 13 different nations. This is the story of Clara, the Nutcracker and their adventures in the toy world; it is also the story of the rich miser Scrooge who is completely unmoved by the poverty of others. Get the family into the Christmas spirit with this beautifully combined tale.
Romeo & Juliet by Ballet Preljocaj (France); Performance date: Wednesday, 12 October (7.30pm)
France’s leading contemporary ballet company, Ballet Preljocaj, performs a romantic and contemporary retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The universal love story is set in the totalitarian regime of an East European country where it was not a question of a fight between clans but of a confrontation between the militia responsible for keeping social order and the ‘family’ of the homeless, on the fringe of society.
All performances are held at the Thailand Cultural Centre, and tickets can be purchased through Thai Ticket Major.
