The Solider's Tale — Shaun James Kelly

Being choreographer in residence with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, I am very excited to collaborate with with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and RNZB dancers on this new project. Part of the NZSO : Setting up Camp , which will tour around New Zealand.

‘The NZSO is delighted to open the 2021 season with Stravinsky’s well-loved pocket-sized theatre piece, The Soldier’s Tale, in association with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Composed in 1918, its first tour was cut short by the Spanish flu but it has remained a popular work ever since.

Written “to be read, played and danced”, The Soldier’s Tale tells the story of the titular Soldier who makes a deal with the Devil: in exchange for the Soldier’s magic violin, the Devil will grant his every wish. This work is based on a Russian folk tale, was co-created with Swiss writer C.F. Ramuz, and gave Stravinsky the chance to include all of his favourite musical influences. You’ll hear tango, waltz, ragtime, klezmer, church chorales, and the paso doble all brought together in Stravinsky’s intoxicating score.

Actors and dancers with costumes and lighting design from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and an ensemble from the NZSO will present this classic tale of magic, desire and being careful what you wish for.

Renewing NZSO subscribers can purchase tickets to The Soldier's Tale here.’

Director Sara Brodie
Choreography by Shaun James Kelly
Dancers Leonora Voigtlander and Jamie Delmonte