Review: Swan Lake – Moscow City Ballet – G Live

Published on: 5 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 7 Mar, 2013

Liliya Orekova as Odette in the Moscow City Ballet’s Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky

by The Stage Dragon

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score for Swan Lake cannot fail to brighten up a Monday evening, and the performance of the ballet at G-Live was a heart-warming affair.

Liliya Orekhova was a superbly elegant Odette/Odile whose movements beguiled the Prince (Talgat Lozhabaev). Certainly he was tall, dark and handsome, but perhaps not quite as ‘dashing’ as I would have liked.

The corps de ballet was an excellent ensemble, well drilled and polished, and in a simple set they built numerous symmetrical tableaux that would have made Stephen Poliakoff proud. The Soloists’ divertissements (Cygnets, Swans, Brides, etc.) were all top class, and the Jester (Artem Minkov) simply outstanding. Full of life, humour, vigour and panache, he held our attention whenever he moved.

The Little Swans

The Moscow City Ballet Orchestra (yes, their own, all the way from Moscow) was ably conducted by Igor Shavruk. Perhaps some of the tempos could have been a bit more sprightly, but it’s difficult to play a score intended for large orchestra with reduced forces stretched thinly across a wide auditorium. That situation often impacts on ensemble so, in fact the did very well in a tricky situation.

It’s such a shame that nobody ever seems to use the state-of-the-art hydraulic pit that Guildford Borough Council installed at G-Live. We might have more dynamic contrast, a clear view from the front stalls, and a greatly enhanced audience experience with no impact on ticket sales.

But that’s nitpicking, and it was a very enjoyable evening. I can recommend this venue to all and sundry. The façade and catering facilities of our new concert hall have proved to be a welcome addition to the town’s amenities and a perfect fit for this visiting company. The Moscow City Ballet* for those who enjoy a well-paced evening of classical ballet are at G-Live until 6th March before moving on to end their three-month tour in Watford and Bath.

* The Moscow City Ballet was formed in 1988 by distinguished choreographer Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, a highly-acclaimed ex-Bolshoi soloist who enjoys bringing his heritage of Moscow-style classical ballet to audiences all over the world.