The Soldier's Tale

Hamish McKeich, Conductor
Dancers of Royal New Zealand Ballet
Sara Brodie, Director
Shaun James Kelly, Royal New Zealand Ballet Choreographer in Residence

Stravinsky, The Soldier's Tale

The New Zealand Herald presents The Soldier's Tale, in association with Royal New Zealand Ballet.

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.