Boston Ballet Presents A Stunning Finnish Fantasia - "Obsidian Tear" - Through November 12th

The spirit of Finland was in the air at the Boston Opera House from the opening strokes from Guest Conductor, Daniel Stewart's baton, through the final cadences of Sibelius' "Fifth Symphony." Boston Ballet kicked off its 2017-2018 season with two contemporary pieces.

After warming up the audience with an orchestral rendition of Jean Sibelius' beloved "Finlandia," the curtain rose on the Boston Ballet Premiere of "Obsidian Tear," a co-production with the Royal Ballet, whose Resident Choreographer, Wayne McGregor, conceived the piece set to a symphonic poem by Esa-Pekka Salonen. The title of the piece is enigmatic, using the English word, "tear," in two senses. First, as a verb - to tear, to rend. Second, as a noun - the fluid that flows from the eye. Salonen had been inspired by the myth of the Goddess Nyx. The other section of this new ballet uses intimate solo violin music, "Lachen verlernt," also by Salonen, and is in sharp contrast to the fierceness and grand sweep of "Nyx." Nine male dancers perform in ever-changing combinations of athleticism and grace that that are like a living impressionist painting. The meaning is in the eye of the beholder. Are they depicting community, intimacy, breaking up, supporting one another? You decide. The effect is visually and aurally stunning. Eight of the dancers are costumed in black, the ninth in red. Does he represent the fire that forms the crystals of obsidian? You decide. The nine dancers chosen to interpret this work were: Paulo Arrais, Paul Craig, Roddy Doble, Lasha Khozashvili, Patric Palkens, Lawrence Rines, Irlan Silva, Matthew Slattery, Patrick Yocum. The audience was wildly enthusiastic in response to the innovative program.

"Obsidian Tear" by Wayne McGregor

Music by Esa-Pekka Salonen

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through November 12th

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

The second half of the evening was devoted to the World Premiere of "Fifth Symphony of Jean Sibelius" by Boston Ballet Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo. Costume Designer Yumiko Takeshima and Lighting Designer Mark Stanley used colors that suggested earth tones from the changing seasons in Finland. The full corps de ballet was used in this gorgeous new work that used traditional classical dance vocabulary. Pairs of dancers interspersed themselves throughout the piece among the larger groupings of male and female dancers.The pairs included some of Boston Ballet's most familiar figures: Misa Kuranga and John Lam, Lia Cirio and Paul Craig, Kathleen Breen Combes and Junxiong Zhao. Again, the appreciative audience was enraptured by the music, the choreography and the flawless execution of the dancers.

Cast
Fifth Symphony of Jean Sibelius

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through November 12th

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

This program can only be seen through November 12th, so get your tickets for this week's remaining performances.

Boston Ballet Website

The annual Boston tradition of "The Nutcracker" will run from November 24th through New Years' Eve.

Enjoy!

Al