His Majesty to watch Russian ballet

His Majesty to watch Russian ballet

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will today make his first visit to the Thailand Cultural Centre since presiding over its opening in October 1987, to watch a performance by the world renowned Mariinsky Ballet from Russia.

Published on December 7, 2007

His Majesty to watch Russian ballet

His Majesty will be accompanied by HM Queen Sirikit and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The Mariinsky Ballet is performing in Bangkok in honour of the King's 80th birthday. The idea was raised by the Queen after being impressed by the ballet company during her visit to Russia in July, according to Dr Chirayu Isarangkun na Ayuthaya, Grand Chamberlain of the Royal Household and director of the Crown Property Bureau (CPB).

The royal suggestion was followed up on by CPB, the National Culture Commission and the Foreign Ministry, who co-organised the troupe's visit here.

The ballet company staged its first public performance in Bangkok yesterday. Today's performance is for the Royal audience, while the last show tomorrow is again for the general public.

All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Ananda Mahidol Foundation.

About 90 members of the company are performing in Bangkok, among them are 15 of the world's top dancers. The three-part programme begins with "Chopiniana", a 35-minute choreographic composition in one act featuring the music of Frederic Chopin and Michel Fokine's choreography, that premiered at

the Mariinsky Theatre in 1908.

After the first intermission is an assortment of six short programmes called "Divertissement", including the world premiere of Alexey Miroshnichenko's choreography for "Love Story", set to His Majesty's composition, "Kinnaree Suite".

The final performance is "Scheherazade", adapted from "Arabian Nights" by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov and choreographed by Mikhail Fokine.

The Nation