Description

In memory of Rudolf Nureyev, who had such a formative influence on dance in Vienna, the Vienna State Ballet’ Nureyev Gala has been a fixed point in the programme since 2011. Nureyev was a visionary: As a dancer charismatic, emotional and intelligent, athletic and attractive like no other in the second half of the 20th century and not only a great performer of his roles, but also a breaker of the boundaries between classical ballet and contemporary dance; as a choreographer an artist who condensed the classics through virtuosity; as a ballet director a facilitator of new works that have continued to write dance history. The programme of the Nureyev Gala 2024 follows in these footsteps and features the dancers of the Vienna State Ballet as well as top-class guests in works by Rudolf Nureyev, but also August Bournonville, George Balanchine, Harald Lander, Hans van Manen, William Forsythe and Martin Schläpfer. Wolfgang Heinz conducts the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera.