For this moderated concert on May 10, Stanislav Kochanovsky has compiled a Russian program: Sergei Prokofiev’s “Cinderella” and the world premiere of Olga Rayeva’s “The Planet: Night Flight.”

No, there are no three hazelnuts for Cinderella in this concert. Otherwise, however, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Cinderella” ballet is very similar to the Czech film classic. A great love, a festive ball, good triumphs in the end – and the two stepsisters are in for a good laugh. NDR presenter Friederike Westerhaus, together with the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra under Chief Conductor Stanislav Kochanovsky, guides the audience through the story of the fairytale ballet.

A dance fairytale – overshadowed by war

There could hardly be a more suitable subject for a ballet than the story of Cinderella. The plot centers on a grand ball, where Cinderella, as she is known in English-speaking countries, and her Prince Charming become intimate. And the dancers’ tools—costumes, dresses, and shoes—also play an important role. In 1940, four years after “Romeo and Juliet,” Prokofiev set to work composing with fervor. However, his work on the ballet soon became entangled in the turmoil of global politics. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the composer was evacuated to the Caucasus and was only able to complete the score three years later. This did not harm the subsequent success of “Cinderella” on stages around the world, and because Prokofiev’s music is as vibrant and colorful as ever, it also performs well on the concert stage.

A brand-new work for the anniversary

This concert begins with an exciting premiere of Olga Rayeva’s orchestral piece “The Planet. Night Flight.” The composer, who was born in Moscow and now lives in Berlin, wrote it especially for the 75th anniversary of the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra – we’re excited!

Program:

Olga Rayeva – The Planet. Night Flight (world premiere)

Sergei Prokofiev – Cinderella, suite from ballet op. 87 (compiled by Stanislav Kochanovsky)