CARMEN SUITE & BOLERO

On the occasion of the World Dance Day, celebrated worldwide on 29th April, the Madlenianum will present the premiere of the ballet Carmen Suite & Bolero on 25th April. Choreographer Aleksandar Ilic brings a contemporary interpretation of two musical masterpieces – Carmen Suite, set to the music of Georges Bizet as adapted by Rodion Shchedrin, as well as Maurice Ravel’s Bolero.

This premiere holds special significance as well—Madlenianum marks the 150th anniversary of Georges Bizet’s death and the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth, uniting the works of these two great composers in a powerful artistic experience.

PASSION AND HYPNOSIS ON STAGE

The ballet Carmen Suite presents an adaptation of Bizet’s famous opera Carmen, telling the passionate story of the free-spirited and defiant Carmen, a symbol of freedom and an inescapable fate. Drawing upon the virtuoso music, Ilic creates a new choreographic dynamic, where strength and emotion intertwine in a powerful stage expression.

Bolero, one of the most recognizable musical works of the 20th century, becomes a hypnotic dance spectacle in Ilic’s vision. The gradual intensification of rhythm and energy, characteristic of Ravel’s composition, is expressed through choreography that explores tension, repetition and the unstoppable rise of dramatic suspense.

In the title role of Carmen is Gala Jovanovic, a soloist of the Vienna State Opera, while Aleksandr Polupanov will play Don José, Toma Kriznar will portray Escamillo, Nikola Bjanko will take on the role of Zuniga, and Feodora Grujuc will will interpret the role of Fate. The lead soloist in Ravel’s Bolero will be Ognjen Vucinic, along with Katarina Bucic, Jovana Grujic, Vladimir Cubrilo, Katarina Ilijasevic and the ensemble of dancers.

ALEKSANDAR ILIC – AN ARTIST OF INNOVATIVE VISION

Aleksandar Ilic is a renowned Serbian choreographer and ballet artist, known for his innovative approach to both classical and contemporary ballet. He studied at the "Lujo Davičo" Ballet School in Belgrade and completed his postgraduate studies at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. He has established his artistic career in prominent ballet ensembles both in Serbia and abroad.

His choreographic works are recognizable for their strong emotion, precise dance expression and modern interpretation of classical pieces. He has collaborated with leading ballet companies and received recognitions for his original works, which are performed on prestigious stages.

With Carmen Suite & Bolero, Ilic once again demonstrates his ability to transform classical music into a powerful dance language that resonates with contemporary audiences.

The staging of the ballet Carmen Suite & Bolero is a coproduction between the Opera and Theatre Madlenianum Opera and the Institute for Artistic Dance.