Dutch National Ballet returns to London to present three of Hans van Manen’s best-loved pieces. With a body of work that includes more than 120 ballets, created over the course of a career spanning nearly six decades, Hans van Manen is universally recognised as one of the most important choreographers of his generation.
All the pieces will be performed to live music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Set to Beethoven, Adagio Hammerklavier is a beautifully lyrical work, while Concertante, with music from Frank Martin’s Petite Symphonie, is a captivating combination of humour and aggression. The solos and intense pas de deux characterise van Manen’s style perfectly; sophisticated simplicity, visual logic and wonderful musicality.
"An instinct for anarchy mixed with superbly honed physical craft"
THE GUARDIAN
Completing the bill is one of van Manen’s most famous abstract ballets. Set to Beethoven's Grosse Fuge, it explores the relationships between four couples. A masterwork of the 20th century, Grosse Fuge has been performed around the world for 40 years and is a regular fixture in the repertoires of the world’s leading ballet companies.