Fearful Symmetries

Synopsis/Details

Fearful Symmetries
Duration: 1h 40m including one interval

Symphony in C / Fearful Symmetries

George Balanchine's ballet Symphony in C is one of his masterpieces, celebrated for its technical precision, artistic virtuosity, and breathtaking complexity. Through his longtime collaborator Igor Stravinsky, Balanchine became acquainted with Georges Bizet's composition and choreographed the work as Le Palais de Cristal (The Crystal Palace) in 1947 in just two weeks for the Ballet of the Paris Opera, where he served as ballet master. When he revived the ballet for the New York City Ballet on 11 October 1948, he simplified the sets and costumes and changed the title to Symphony in C, derived from Bizet's score. The music itself had been composed in 1855, when Bizet was only 17 years old and still a student at the Paris Conservatoire, but it was not performed until 1935, long after the composer's death. In Symphony in C, Balanchine presents the music in four movements, each functioning like an independent ballet with its own principal couple and corps de ballet. The work embodies the legacy of the classical ballet tradition, while the dancers' versatility and vitality infuse the performance with exceptional dynamism and brilliance.

Christian Spuck's ballet Fearful Symmetries is inspired by John Adams's composition of the same name, transforming its rhythmic intensity and energy into a compelling visual experience. The American composer John Adams is one of the leading figures of contemporary classical music. He borrowed the title of his work from The Tyger, the poem published in 1794 by the English poet William Blake. Rather than the poem's meaning, it was the phrase "fearful symmetry" that captivated him. This "fearful symmetry" is reflected in Adams's recurring melodic and harmonic structures, which he deliberately exaggerates to heighten their impact. John Adams became especially renowned for his operas, many of which are based on significant events in recent history, including his first opera Nixon in China (1987), about the American president's 1972 visit to Mao Zedong, and Doctor Atomic (2005), centred on physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb." According to Adams himself, the orchestral work Fearful Symmetries is closely connected to his first opera and is distinguished by its powerful, energy-charged sound world.

Recommended for ages 6 and above

Cast

Symphony in C
Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Georges Bizet
Costumes: Elsie Lindström
Lighting: Irene Selka
Rehearsal Director: Sandra Jennings
Conductor: Paul Connelly
Staatskapelle Berlin

Fearful Symmetries
Choreography: Christian Spuck
Music: John Adams
Set Design: Rufus Didwiszus
Costumes: Emma Ryott
Lighting: Irene Selka
Conductor: Paul Connelly
Staatskapelle Berlin

Venue

State Opera Unter den Linden

Staatsoper Unter den Linden is one of Berlin's most prestigious opera houses, with a rich history and significant cultural impact.

History:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden was originally built between 1741 and 1743, under the direction of architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. It was commissioned by Frederick II of Prussia and was initially named the Königliche Oper (Royal Opera). The opera house has undergone several renovations and reconstructions, notably after World War II damage. It reopened in 1984, following a major renovation.

Construction:
The original design was characterized by its Baroque style, featuring an elegant façade and a grand entrance. The building was reconstructed in the 1950s and 1980s, maintaining its classical exterior while modernizing the interior. The façade features a classic portico with six Corinthian columns and a prominent central pediment.

Interior:
The interior is known for its opulent and classical design. The auditorium is renowned for its acoustics and grandeur, with luxurious velvet seats and elaborate decorations. The stage and seating areas have been updated to meet modern performance standards while preserving historical aesthetics.

Concerts and Performances:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden hosts a variety of performances, including operas, orchestral concerts, and ballet. It is home to the Staatskapelle Berlin, one of Germany's leading orchestras. The opera house is celebrated for its high-quality productions and its role in Berlin’s vibrant cultural scene.

JOURNEY

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has completely barrier-free access due to its excellent public transport connections.

ADDRESS: Unter den Linden 7; 10117 Berlin

SUBURBAN RAILWAY
S+U Friedrichstraße (S1, S2, S5, S7, S25, S75)

SUBWAY
Hausvogteiplatz (U2)
Museumsinsel (U5)
Stadtmitte (U2, U6)
Unter den Linden (U5, U6)

BUS
Staatsoper (100, 245, 300)
Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße (100, 147, 245, 300, N6)

PARKING
Q-PARK parking garage Unter den Linden/Staatsoper
Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin
There are five electric charging stations in the parking garage. Further information can be found here.

The underground car park on Bebelplatz offers disabled parking spaces and direct access to the opera house. On entering the car park between 5.30pm and 11.30pm, the maximum parking fee is €7. To use this tariff, enter your parking ticket in one of the pay machines and the message »Theatertarif« will appear on the display. Please note that it is not possible to use the tariff if you enter the car park before 5.30pm. so it will not be shown on the display. TIP: If you pay the theatre tariff at the pay machine before the event, you can avoid unnecessary waiting after the show.

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Fearful Symmetries

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