Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has officially welcomed Russia’s acclaimed Bolshoi Ballet back to Brisbane as part of QPAC’s 2019 International Series.
“The Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland is proud to again bring the world’s most illustrious ballet company to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Audiences are in for a treat as the Bolshoi performs two works from its repertoire, the epic Spartacus and the beautiful Jewels.”
“This exclusive season is a huge coup for our state and a great compliment to QPAC as an arts venue, which is on the verge of becoming Australia’s largest when work is completed on a new theatre to add to the already outstanding complex.”
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said regional Queenslanders could also experience a performance by the Bolshoi with a free simulcast of Spartacus live from the Lyric Theatre to venues across the state.
“The simulcast will be broadcast on Saturday 6 July to Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Ingham, Mount Isa, Longreach, Toowoomba, Townsville and Yarrabah,” she said.
“Since 2009, the QPAC International Series program has brought some of the world’s greatest performing arts companies exclusively to Queensland.
“Each visit has provided opportunities for the companies to connect with Queensland artists, including our very own Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“Continuing this significant connection, our finest local musicians will showcase their skills and collaborate with these visiting artists as the QSO accompanies the Bolshoi for both ballets, conducted by Pavel Sorokin,” Minister Enoch said.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said it was a pleasure to welcome back the company following its sold-out Queensland season in 2013.
“World-class events like these have proven to be a major drawcard for visitors from across the world,” she said.
“This year the QPAC International Series celebrates a decade of bringing some of the world’s finest arts companies to Australia to perform only in Queensland.
“Over this period, the series has delivered more than $25 million for the Queensland economy and contributed to our reputation as a leading cultural destination.”
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the centre was elated to roll out the red carpet for the mighty Bolshoi Ballet’s return visit.
“From the close of the Bolshoi’s highly successful visit in 2013, our discussion with the company quickly turned to how soon they could return to Queensland. It was just a matter of finding time in their demanding international performance schedule.
“A tour to the other side of the world is no small undertaking. Last week QPAC received five 40-foot sea containers of sets and costumes which have travelled from Moscow to Brisbane.
“Tonight we welcome over 150 members of this outstanding company, including Principals Ekaterina Krysanova, Anna Nikulina, Olga Smirnova, Yulia Stepanova, Mikhail Lobukhin, Artem Ovcharenko, Denis Rodkin and Alexander Volchkov
“It is an honour and a credit to QPAC and Queensland that the Bolshoi’s first visit back to Australia in six years is another exclusive season as part of our International Series.
“In addition to the on-stage performances, Bolshoi’s impact will be enhanced by a program of events including a free I am Spartacus exhibition in QPAC’s Tony Gould Gallery, which showcases the theme of revolutionaries, including local Brisbane stories to explore.
“Further discovery can be found in QPAC’s central tunnel exhibition about the two ballet productions and slogans that have fuelled revolutions the world over.
“There will also be pre-performance conversations and master classes, to engage and inspire ballet fans and students,” Mr Kotzas said.
The QPAC International Series is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar. The series is also supported by Principal Partner MinterEllison.
