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Le Corsaire

Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet TheatreA. Vienuolio g. 1, Vilnius, 01104, Lithuania
Dates/times in Vilnius time zone
Thursday 01 April 202718:30
Friday 02 April 202718:30
Saturday 03 April 202718:30
Sunday 04 April 202718:00
Performers
Lithuanian National Ballet
Valery OvsyanikovConductor, Director
Luisa SpinatelliSet Designer, Costume Designer
Marion HewlettLighting Designer
Lithuanian National Opera Orchestra
Jean Francois VazelleDramaturgy
Manuel LegrisDramaturgy

Fearless corsairs (or pirates of the Mediterranean), Turkish pashas, beautiful slaves, noisy Eastern markets, magnificent palaces, ships breaking in the middle of storms, abductions, chase, deception, betrayal and, of course, love – these elements fit into the storyline of "Le Corsaire". Poem of the same name written by the great romantic poet Lord George Byron (published in 1814) inspired many composers. Giuseppe Verdi was one of them: he wrote his opera "Il corsaro" in 1848. Adolphe Adam’s work is also not the only ballet based on this subject.

French composer Adam was the originator of the romantic ballet music in the 19th century (his best-known ballet is probably "Giselle"). The premiere of Le corsaire was presented in 1856 in Paris, and composer’s score was universally acclaimed. Unfortunately, it was his final work – after a few months Adam died of a heart attack.

In Vilnius, "Le corsaire" was presented by ballet master Bronius Kelbauskas in 1964. After 54 years, this ballet was brought to life once again by French choreographer Manuel Legris.

© Martynas Aleksa
© Martynas Aleksa