English National Ballet’s new boss has teamed up with award winning artist Dame Phylida Barlow for his first season in charge.
Director Designate Aaron S. Watkin, who takes over from Tamara Rojo after her decade at the helm, launched ENB’s 2023/24 season on Wednesday.
Dame Phylida, whose monumental sculptures have been shown at the Tate and the Venice Biennale, will create work to share the stage with the dancers in a production of Igor Stravinsky’s Les Noces.
The show, a century after the work made its debut, will also feature a chorus from Opera Holland Park.
The new season also includes the world premiere of choreographer David Dawson’s ballet inspired by Richard Strauss’s acclaimed Four Last Songs and a production of Giselle at the London Coliseum.
The central London venue will also host performances of the Nutcracker this December with other blockbuster shows including Carmen at Sadlers Wells and an
in the round performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall featuring more than 100 performers.
Watkin, who danced with the company at the start of his career, said he was “proud to build on Tamara’s legacy”.
He said: “Being entrusted to lead this brilliant organisation is a privilege, and I am so grateful to be able to show audiences my vision for English National Ballet.
“Representing the diversity of ballet, this season showcases the immense talent this Company has to offer.
“By pairing works from some of the greatest classical choreographers of all time with visceral new works by some of the most exciting artists working today and artists who are currently underrepresented in the UK, I believe we are showcasing the full potential of this brilliant artform for audiences across the country.”
Spanish-born Rojo oversaw the ENB’s move to a purpose built HQ in east London in her decade in charge and announced last year she was moving to the US to take charge at the San Francisco Ballet.
