"Hong Kong Ballet, a major international player with well-schooled technique, eminently watchable." The Globe and Mail

J.S. Bach's music – invigorating, graceful, sublime – has provided unending inspiration for modern choreographers. To celebrate their 30th anniversary year, The Hong Kong Ballet presents a sumptuous mixed bill at the heart of which is the magnificent music of this baroque master.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest choreographers today, William Forsythe's Steptext will be performed by The Hong Kong Ballet for the first time. Mirroring one of the greatest solos ever written for violin – the Chaconne from Bach's Partita No. 2, a stunning ballerina, surrounded by three male dancers, weaves and stretches with the subtlety of a single violin string. Concerto Barocco, devised in 1941 by the legendary George Balanchine, brilliantly reflects Bach's matchless Double Violin Concerto. One critic concludes: "Baroccois perfection". Clear received a rapturous reception when staged by The Hong Kong Ballet in 2007. Created by Stanton Welch after the September 11 event, the transparency of Bach's Concerto is echoed beautifully by the clarity of movement in this poignant work. Wang Xinpeng, artistic director of Dortmund Opera House Ballet, is the acclaimed choreographer of China National Ballet's Raise the Red Lantern. Mein Bach (My Bach) will inspire the audience with Wang's unique interpretation of the philosophy behind Bach's music.

Steptext
Barocco
Clear
Mein Bach (My Bach)
Chaconne, from Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV 1004^
Concerto in D minor for 2 Violins BWV 1043*
Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C minor BWV 1060r*
Violin Concerto in G minor (1st and 2nd movements) BWV 1056r*
*Live accompaniment by Hong Kong Sinfonietta
^Recording by violinist Nathan Milstein

Choreography:
William Forsythe, George Balanchine, Stanton Welch and Wang Xinpeng

Dancers:
Please refer to the website of The Hong Kong Ballet
www.hkballet.com

A dialogue with the masters: An evening of All Bach with dance preview
03 Feb 2009

7:30pm

In English

Guest Host: Natasha Rogai (Dance critic for the South China Morning Post)

Choreographer Wang Xinpeng and William Forsythe's rehearsal directors, Agnes Noltenius and Thierry Guiderdoni, will share the creative process and discuss how Bach has been an inspiration for different ballet masters. The audience will also have an exclusive opportunity to see a preview of the programme performed by the Hong Kong Ballet’s dancers.

For registration and enquiries: (852) 2105 9724 marketing@hkballet.com

In co-operation with the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

Presented by Hong Kong Ballet.

The Hong Kong Ballet - All Bach - Pre-Performance Talk
13 Feb 2009

7:25pm

In English with Cantonese interpretation

* Admitted with All Bach tickets

An introduction to the making of the ballet repertoire featured in All Bach and behind the scene stories.

For registration and enquiries: (852) 2105 9724 marketing@hkballet.com

In co-operation with the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

Presented by Hong Kong Ballet.