Sheila Chisholm
THE symphony – a term derived from the Greek symphonia meaning “agreement, or concord of sound, or harmonious” has, over time, undergone considerable development. Until, in the hands of great a composer like Haydn (known as the father of symphony), a symphony has become accepted as a musical work for orchestra. It generally consists of multiple distinct sections, typically in four movements, but not necessarily so. With particular emphasis on the word harmony Robin van Wyk, artistic director for Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB), has assembled a well-balanced programme to present at Artscape’s Opera House from October 7 to 11, titled Symphony of Dance.
However, this ballet symphony, has six movements, or rather six separate ballets. Ensemble for Six choreographed by van Wyk to Amilcare Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours from his opera La Gioconda; Veronica Paeper’s Emperor Waltz set to Johann Strauss 11; Kirsten Isenberg’s new ballet Largo Variations set to Arvo Part’s Spiegel im Spiegel; Adagio set to Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is another new work by van Wyk, as is his Romance, choreographed to Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2. in C Minor Op 18.
What makes Symphony of Dance different from a typical CTCB multi-bill is instead of performing to recorded music, The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) under Graham Scott’s baton, will be in attendance. So too will Korean born musicians Sangwoo Jun (violin) and Yohun Chan (piano) playing the Arvo Part. In an unprecedented highlight Symphony of Dance has acclaimed pianist Francois du Toit playing Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2 for van Wyk’s ballet Romance.
Another unusual feature is the CPO sitting upstage on rostra. Said van Wyk “this is an exciting novelty for us. CTCB has often performed to the CPO, but they are always hidden away in the orchestra pit. Now, as dancers go through their paces, viewers have a rare opportunity watching the conductor deal with simultaneously guiding musicians and dancers to keep time together. And in case anyone is concerned that with the orchestra sitting so far back the music will be muffled, we are permitted to use some amplification... not too much in case others are worried about all that marvellous music being distorted!”
“When Jun and Chun play the Arvo Part they will be placed downstage, audience left, on an orchestra pit lift. While they play a dark gauze hides the CPO, giving them a rest period. Its been tricky, but stimulating, pulling all this together.”
How did van Wyk decide on this fresh approach to a CTCB s Spring season? “I’m always striving to find new ideas to present multi-bill programmes, and this one came in the middle of the night! Johnny (Bovang) has for ages been pressurising me to write a ballet to Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2. It is quite the most glorious music. So wonderful I felt I wasn’t ready to tackle it. Then when a pianist of Francois stature came on board, I realized I was mature enough to tackle Rachmaninov’s musical moods.”
A spare time poet, Van Wyk wrote a poem as focus for his interpretation. This centers around three principal couples. The first is an older woman being seduced by a younger man. Having suffered from a broken heart in her past she’s wary of becoming too involved. These roles are danced by Laura Bosenberg partnered by Thomas Thorne.
Alternate cast is Claire Spector opposite Conrad Nusser. The second couple are strong-willed and constantly at loggerheads. Kim Vieira with Ivan Boonzaaier and Angela Hansford opposite Daniel Szybkowski dance these roles. My third couple, Elizabeth Nienaber with Jesse Milligan, are young, experiencing love for the first time. Cleo Ames partnered by Revel Yon are the alternate couple. Backing them are six corps de ballet couples.”
Van Wyk stresses this is not a narrative ballet. As Francois says, “it would be dangerous to meddle with what the composers instructions are to fit the choreography alone, so identities blend into Rachmaninov’s moods”. Neo classical in style, van Wyk has chosen magenta Intel lighting to match magenta French chiffon Juliet-style dresses for women and Romeo style full sleeve shirts for men.
Isenberg, remembered for her neo classical Of Gods and Men, has chosen Arvo Part’s Spiegel im Spiegel for her short piece Largo. Translated from German, meaning mirror in the mirror, Isenberg has chosen three casts of two couples. Also in neo classical style the couples reflect mirror images. Sometimes they dance in unison, sometimes in delayed reaction, some- times apart and sometimes in canon. Added interest is having Korean music students Sangwoo Jun (violin) and Yohun Chun (piano) play Part’s haunting rhythms.
Symphony of Dance also includes Veronica Paeper’s Emperor Waltz for four couples wearing romantic 19th century lace and frills in keeping with Strauss’s period. Also to Johann Strauss 11, van Wyk has reworked his Blue Danube.
Breaking away from waltz time (and perhaps sugary themes) van Wyk contributes another short ballet titled Adagio. Scenario behind this, is jealousy between siblings. Said van Wyk “I based Adagio on Frank Staff’s Transfigured Nights. Instead of using Arnold Schoenberg’s music I’ve selected Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. All I’m saying is it’s dramatic. If I tell more it will spoil it.”
Symphony of Dance offers an unusually wide range of music and dance and costumes to entertain ballet and music lovers. Do see.
l Tickets: from R150. Book: 0861 915 8000, or 021 421 7659.