A ballet by John Neumeier

Hamburg Ballet, David Fray, piano

A single lamp on a metal post is switched on and placed center stage signifying that no artist is allowed to use the stage... This ghost light has been lit on several stages during an unusual season.
The Hamburg Ballet is one of the first companies worldwide that has returned to its studios after the lockdown. It kicks off the season 2020/21 on Sep 6 in Hamburg with the world premiere of John Neumeier‘s new creation “Ghost Light“ using solo piano music by Franz Schubert, performed live on stage by star pianist David Fray. The live broadcast from Festspielhaus Baden-Baden will take place on October 10, 2020.
The ballet for 55 dancers has been created since May 11. To respect social distancing, Neumeier creates separate parts of the work with small groups of two to eight dancers. In his words: ”Ghost Light“ is an ensemble work that I am developing in fragments. It is like the separate instrumental lines of a symphony – or a traditional Japanese meal: a sequence of carefully arranged, hopefully ‚delicious‘ miniatures. How the separate parts will unite to create a complete work, will depend on the moment we are allowed to come near and touch each other again.“

Music by Franz Schubert

Length: 105 mins

TV Director: Myriam Hoyer

Producers: EuroArts & SWR in collaboration with ARTE

Upcoming Episodes: Norway, Greece, Hungary

In research for a European Sound we embark for a road trip upon a journey across our continent to explore the cosmos of folk music. Each episode is guided by a renowned European musician as a “sound guide” who assures encounters with musician that are between equals. Through the eyes and ears of the “sound guide” the audience will experience pure music and authentic artists on a very personal level.

“Nations have hymns, people have songs” – with this thought in mind we will discover the traditional sounds and in the same time we will be responsive to the music inherent subjects that are functioning as a mirror to our society. Folk music provides a sense of identity and ‘home’, but it is also a field of experimentation for young musicians. 

Beyond dusty clichés and stylized folk nostalgia, this modern – not least cross-medially designed – music/travel format sets out to provide a close-up experience of the power of music. Folk music is local world music, which makes it tailor-made for a ‘sound trek’ across Europe.

Production Date: 2020

Produced by EuroArts in in co-production with WDR/ARTE

Kirill Petrenko
Berliner Philharmoniker
After his first dazzling New Year’s Eve concert, Kirill Petrenko is looking forward to the traditional celebrations at the end of the year. The Berliner Philharmoniker’s new season and the repertoire will be announced soon.

Produced by EuroArts in co-production with ARTE, SMG

Production Date: 31 December 2020