THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL VISIT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Thursday 10th June
The Prince of Wales, President of The Royal Ballet and Patron of the Royal Opera House, and The Duchess of Cornwall attend a performance by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House to celebrate the return of the arts and entertainment post lockdown.
On arrival, Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House and Sir Simon Robey, Interim Chairman of the Royal Opera House.
Their Royal Highnesses will privately watch Balanchine and Robbins, a performance which celebrates the American choreographers George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.
After the performance, The Prince and The Duchess will join a reception to meet with performers and Royal Opera House staff.
Their Royal Highnesses will enjoy a performance celebrating the rich history of American ballet in works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. The programme includes two classic works by Balanchine; Apollo and Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux and Dances at a Gathering by Jerome Robbins.
Further details here. (Live stream available.)
The Royal Ballet
Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, The Royal Ballet unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances and is a driving force in the development of ballet as an art form. Based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, it brings together today’s most dynamic and versatile dancers with a world-class orchestra and leading choreographers, composers, conductors, directors and creative teams to share awe-inspiring theatrical experiences with diverse audiences worldwide.
The Royal Opera House
Home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Royal Opera House brings together the world’s most extraordinary artists in live, streamed and broadcast events and performances that thrill, move and excite; that transport people to other worlds. Royal Opera House’s theatres are in London’s Covent Garden but their work is accessed and experienced across the UK and globally through touring partnerships, cinema programmes, free outdoor screenings, radio, TV and live-streaming.
Since closing their doors due to the global pandemic in March 2020, the Royal Opera House have continued to bring together the world’s most extraordinary artists and curated the #OurHouseToYourHouse programme, made up of nine live concerts (six for opera, two for ballet and two galas), 38 streamed productions and a suite of online content that has been viewed over 15 million times in 183 countries, together with a suite of cultural highlights in partnership with the BBC, Sky Arts and Netflix and a host of online home learning opportunities wherever you are in the country.
Royal Opera House are hugely excited to welcome people back to theatres, showcasing the very best of art forms and bringing the joy of live performance back to audiences.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
The Prince of Wales has been President of the Royal Ballet since 2003 and Patron of the Royal Opera House since 2009.
Last year, The Prince of Wales joined Classic FM presenter Alan Titchmarsh for a radio programme highlighting his love of music and the arts, as well as his concern about the effect of the current health crisis on the lives and livelihoods of live performers and arts bodies.
During the show, The Prince remarked:
“I have no doubt when we are finally allowed to enjoy concerts and theatrical performances once again, our brilliant orchestral players, singers and dancers will be ready to thrill us all, their talents possibly shining all the brighter because of their enforced silence and absence. I’m sure they know how deeply they touch people’s lives so this entire programme is dedicated to them as a tribute to the sheer joy and solace they bring us all.”
The Duchess of Cornwall shares His Royal Highness’ love of ballet and is Patron of Elmhurst Ballet School herself and is also a keen dancer.
Last year, The Duchess joined a video call with Dame Darcey Bussell, President of the Royal Academy of Dance and Angela Rippon, Silver Swans Ambassador. The Duchess discussed the Royal Academy of Dance’s, of which The Duchess is Vice Patron, Silver Swans programme, RAD’s specially designed ballet classes for over 55s and described how ballet is:
“…something that will make you feel better. It gives you a certain amount of confidence in yourself. It’s just a bit of discipline there, which I think we all need in our lives.” The Duchess went on to say, “I love dance in any form.”
In November 2019, during Their Royal Highness New Zealand Tour, The Duchess attended an Active Ageing event during which The Duchess watched a demonstration class led by Silver Swans Licensee, Celia Bosman. The Duchess discussed with the dancers how experiencing ballet as an older learner has improved their wellbeing, and the many benefits of ballet for all ages.
Their Royal Highnesses take a great interest in the arts and is passionate about how it can benefit others. The Prince and The Duchess regularly attend theatre and opera performances and classical concerts, as well as visit exhibitions and galleries, sometimes as public events to support charities and sometimes privately.
