Australian Ballet’s Swan Lake premieres at the Lowry from Tue 14 – Sat 18 October. Set to Tchaikovsky’s immortal music, this unique production is made more exceptional by its collaboration with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The first time in recent history that the Orchestra have accompanied a ballet performance, this is also their debut appearance at The Lowry.

Widely recognised as one of Britain’s finest orchestras, the BBC Philharmonic has its own recording studio at BBC Manchester where it records programmes and concerts for Radio 3. It also performs around 20 concerts a year at Manchester’s magnificent Bridgewater Hall. The Philharmonic has built a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality and committed performances over a wide-ranging repertoire.  

Richard Wigley, General Manager at the BBC Philharmonic says, “We’re delighted to be collaborating with The Lowry, who will be our near neighbours when the BBC moves to Salford in 2011. We share with them a commitment to artistic excellence and are very excited about performing with the internationally renowned Australian Ballet.”

Swan Lake is one of the world’s favourite ballets and judging by The Australian Ballet’s dazzling version, created by Australia’s leading choreographer Graeme Murphy, it is not hard to see why. Featuring a contemporary storyline full of drama, wit and passion, Murphy has brought the spirit and scale of classical ballet into the 21st century with extraordinary results. Winner of the ‘Best Foreign Dance Company’ at the 2005 UK Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards, The Australian Ballet is renowned as the defining face of ballet in Australia and known for its dynamic mix of classical and contemporary dance.

The Lowry’s Artistic Director, Robert Robson says, “When I first saw The Australian Ballet’s production of Swan Lake, I realised I was in the presence of a truly special production of the greatest ballet of all time. The dexterity and poise of the performers was matched by truly captivating choreography by Graeme Murphy. It is a truly special ballet event that will undoubtedly linger long in the memory.”

One of the richest and most extravagant experiences of dance to be seen in The Lowry’s theatres, this masterpiece has sold out more than 150 performances since its première at the State Theatre in Melbourne in 2002. Featuring more than 70 dancers, ravishing sets and costumes, the work contrasts heartbreaking duets with lavish scenes at the Royal Court and by the frozen lake, a dreamlike setting where Odette seeks solace from her turbulent marriage to Prince Siegfried.

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