Paris Opera Ballet exclusive to Sydney

Standing alongside Mathias Heymann and Eve Grinsztajn of Paris Opera Ballet, dancers from the highest echelon in the hierarchy of dancers in Europe, Minister Souris said the event will take place from 29 January to 9 February 2013 and include 13 performances at the Capitol Theatre.”This is a unique opportunity to see one of the best known and respected ballet companies, Paris Opera Ballet, present the world’s most popular and performed ballet, Giselle in an exclusive Sydney presentation of 13 performances.

“This is another once-in-a lifetime cultural experience for audiences from Sydney, NSW, around Australia and overseas. Giselle has been in the Paris Opera Ballet’s repertoire for 171 years and is one of their signature pieces.

“We expect about 24,000 tickets will be sold for this production with thousands of interstate and overseas visitors arriving to experience the world famous ballet company.

“The NSW Government through Destination NSW is proud to be working with Messrs Leo Schofield AM and Ian McRae AO to bring the Paris Opera Ballet to Sydney - an event which will inject millions of dollars in direct spending into the NSW economy,” Minister Souris said.

Leo Schofield AM said Paris Opera Ballet is not only the oldest national ballet company in the world, but also the most revered, cherishing its classical traditions while embracing the latest choreographic invention.

“Giselle is an imperishable classic, the quintessential expression of early 19th century French Romanticism. It first saw the light of day in Paris in 1841 and has been a cornerstone of the repertoire ever since. Understandably perhaps, the company’s version is regarded as near as possible to definitive.”

Ian McRae AO said the first visit of Paris Opera Ballet in 2007 was a complete sell-out and many people have asked ‘when are they coming back’.

“We are really delighted to again join forces with the NSW Government through Destination NSW to bring this most highly regarded of ballet companies back to Sydney. Leo and I are sure their performances of the great classical masterpiece Giselle will meet every expectation.”

Mr Souris added: “This latest announcement strongly complements our festivals, opera, musicals and exhibitions line-up and contributes towards having a world class calendar of events, with something on offer all year round.”

Arts and Entertainment Line-up 2012/13

• Officer and a Gentleman musical - World Premiere at Sydney Lyric Theatre from 18 May 2012
• Vivid Sydney - 25 May to 11 June 2012
• Wallabies v Scotland - Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle, 5 June, 2012
• Sydney Film Festival - 6 June to 17 June 2012
• 18th Biennale of Sydney - 27 June to 16 September 2012
• Wallabies v Wales - Allianz Stadium, 23 June, 2012
• Annual Helpmann Awards - 24 September 2012, Sydney Opera House
• Legally Blonde the Musical - Australian Premiere at Sydney Lyric Theatre from 4 October 2012
• ARIA Awards - November 2012
• The Immortal Alexander the Great exhibition - The Australian Museum from 24 November 2012
• Sydney Festival - 5 - 28 January 2013
• AACTA Awards - January 2013
• Paris Opera Ballet at The Capitol Theatre - 29 January to 9 February 2013
• Movie Extra Tropfest - 24 February 2013
• Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, Carmen - Mrs Macquaries Point from March 2013
• The Addams Family - Australian Premiere at The Capitol Theatre from March 2013
• Strictly Ballroom the musical - World Premiere at Sydney Lyric Theatre from September 2013
• The Lion King - the musical returns to Australia, to Premiere in Sydney at The Capitol Theatre from December 2013
• Bledisloe Cup - 10 year deal for Sydney where at least one Bledisloe Cup match will be played in Sydney each year 2012 - 2021.
• NSW to host three 2013 British Irish Lions Rugby Tour games including the final Test at ANZ Stadium.