Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan Tickets
Opens 9th November
This mixed bill pairs work from choreographic icons Kenneth MacMillan and Jerome Robbins, in a moving meditation on the human condition.
Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan in London
Profound work from two dance icons comes to the Royal Ballet and Opera House, in the heart of Covent Garden, with Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan, featuring work from virtuoso choreographers Jerome Robbins and Kenneth MacMillan, paired together in a beautiful meditation on the human condition. Secure your tickets for this uplifting, deeply moving ballet today.
What Is the Dance Show Visionaries About?
This mixed programme showcases work by two of the greatest choreographers of all time, Jerome Robbins and Kenneth MacMillan.
Opening the programme is Dances at a Gathering, by Jerome Robbins. Set to some of the most beloved piano compositions by Chopin, Dances at a Gathering is a series of “plotless” dances, each exploring connection and many facets of shifting moods, coming together to create an uplifting and joyous whole.
Song of the Earth follows, closing the programme. MacMillan’s piece explores the transience of life, the ever-presence of death and the glory of rebirth, drawing from the metaphysical themes in Mahler’s score, as well as 8th-century poems that inspired both Mahler and MacMillan, to create a sweeping, sculptural work of moving beauty.
The History of Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan
Song of the Earth was choreographed by MacMillan in 1965 for the Stuttgart Ballet, after his initial proposition was turned down by the Royal Opera House Board over concerns that Mahler’s score would be inappropriate for a ballet. The show was an enormous success, and was brought over to the Royal Ballet just six months later. It has since been revived countless times.
Robbins’s Dances at a Gathering was brought into the repertory of The Royal Ballet in October 1970 by MacMillan, who the Director of the Company at the time. The ballet was Robbins’s first work for the New York City Ballet, in 1969, and was initially planned as a pas de deux, though later expanded for five couples. Following the show’s premiere, Robbins shirked the press’s attempts to find hidden meaning in the work, stating to a dance magazine, “There are no plots and no roles. The dancers are themselves dancing with each other to that music in that space.”
The Creative Team of Visionaries
Dances at A Gathering is choreographed by Jerome Robbins (West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof), featuring music by Fryderyk Chopin. Often considered one of the greatest choreographers of his time, Robbins (1918–1998) was a two-time Academy Award winner, a five-time Tony Award winner, and an Emmy winner. He was the recipient of Kennedy Centre Honours and was also named a Chevalier of the French Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur.
Song of the Earth is choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan (The Sleeping Beauty, Danses Concertantes), with music by Gustav Mahler, featuring text from The Chinese Flute by Hans Bethge. MacMillan (1929–1992) was one of the leading choreographers of his generation and was both the director and the principal choreographer of the Royal Ballet School in the 1970s.
Tickets for Visionaries at the Royal Opera House
Enjoy this rare opportunity to see a mixed bill from iconic choreographers Jerome Robbins and Kenneth MacMillan with Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan. This moving meditation on humanity, mortality and connection is unmissable - book tickets for Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan at the Royal Opera House today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Visionaries playing in London?
Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan is playing at the Royal Opera House, 41 Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 8RF.
What is the age recommendation for Visionaries?
Visionaries is best for age 5+. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sat next to an adult.
How long is Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan?
The running time for Visionaries at Royal Opera House is 3 hours.
Is there an interval during Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan?
Yes, there is a 15 minute interval about halfway through Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan.
Can I buy tickets for Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Royal Opera House box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search including discounts not available at the box office.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Visionaries are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
