Premiere CLASS CONCERT / SCHEHERAZADE

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Class Concert is a one-act ballet that offers a rare glimpse into the unseen world of ballet dancers—their journey beyond the stage, their unwavering dedication, and the transformation that occurs when they step into the spotlight. It is a tribute to the artistry and discipline that turn ordinary individuals into performers who bring joy, beauty, and meaning to life—for themselves and for their audience.

Set to the music of the great Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Denis Matvienko, the ballet showcases its dancers’ technical brilliance and emotional depth. Through elegant and expressive movement, it highlights the rigorous training, personal struggles, and triumphs that shape a ballet artist’s life. As the legendary choreographer George Balanchine once said: “When a man and a woman are on stage, that is already a story; there are no ballets without a story.”

Scheherazade is a ballet inspired by the tale One Thousand and One Nights. Mikhail Fokine choreographed it to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s music. The ballet was first performed on June 4, 1910, at the Paris Opera as part of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. The set and costume design were created by the artist Léon Bakst. The performance was met with extraordinary success, and even today, a century later, the story of love, passion, and freedom continues to captivate audiences.

Expressive choreography and powerful body language bring to life the emotions woven into Rimsky-Korsakov’s rich, oriental melodies. With its lavish costumes, exotic dance movements, and deeply emotional performances, this ballet transports audiences to an enchanting world of the East—a world of love, passion, and tragedy.

Denis Matvienko is a world-renowned Ukrainian ballet dancer and choreographer. He has been a principal dancer for some of the most prestigious ballet companies, including the Mariinsky Theatre and the Bolshoi Theatre. His choreographic works are distinguished by technical virtuosity and profound emotional expression.

General sponsor of the Ballet