No ballet embodies the essence of romanticism more than Giselle — a work of haunting beauty, poetic grace, and timeless emotion. This October, after several years of absence, Giselle returns to the stage of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, performed by the Bayerisches Staatsballett, one of Europe’s most distinguished ballet companies. Under the inspired direction of Laurent Hilaire — himself a legendary star of the Paris Opera Ballet, celebrated for his work with Rudolf Nureyev’s great productions — the company has entered a new golden age.
What makes these five performances so thrilling is not just the ballet itself, but the constellation of ballerinas who may appear as Giselle. The casting has been announced, though it may change ,every possible interpreter is a Principal Dancer of international stature, ensuring a level of excellence that few companies can match.
The opening night we'll see Ksenia Shevtsova, trained at the fabled Vaganova Academy, offers a Russian refinement and musicality that give her interpretations an ethereal, otherworldly quality. Laurretta Summerscales, a radiant British star, combines fearless technique with a vivid dramatic instinct — her Giselle would be both powerful and heartbreaking. Violetta Keller, newly appointed as Principal Dancer, represents the exciting next generation: fresh, expressive, and full of promise. Elisabeth Tonev, steeped in ballet from birth, brings an aristocratic line and crystalline technique that could shape an unforgettable portrayal.
Ksenia Shevtsova
(October 21 & 26, 2025)
A graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, where she trained under Irina Sitnikova, Ksenia Shevtsova began her career as a soloist at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow, eventually becoming Principal Dancer. Winner of Best Ballerina at the Russian TV competition Bolshoi Ballet (2018) and of the Soul of Dance award (2019), she joined the Bavarian State Ballet in 2023 and was promoted to First Soloist in 2024.
Shevtsova is admired for her crystalline technique and deeply human interpretation. Her Giselle blends classical purity with heartfelt emotion—each arabesque seems to breathe with the pulse of her soul.
Violetta Keller
(October 23, 2025)
Trained at the Ballet School of the Vienna State Opera, Violetta Keller joined the Bavarian State Ballet, where she soon stood out for her elegance, musicality, and radiant stage presence. Her artistry combines romantic lyricism with an inner strength that gives depth to her characters.
In Giselle, Keller embodies innocence and dreamlike grace, yet also quiet resilience. Her dancing is a hymn to lightness, love, and the poetry of movement.
Elisabeth Tonev
(October 24, 2025)
Born in Germany, Elisabeth Tonev trained at the Heinz-Bosl-Stiftung, the ballet academy closely affiliated with the Bavarian State Ballet, and joined the company in 2016. With her artistic maturity and captivating stage presence, she has excelled in both classical and contemporary roles.
Her Giselle is passionate and sincere — a woman of heart and spirit who transforms sorrow into beauty. Tonev’s performance radiates strength, emotion, and truth.
Laurretta Summerscales
(October 25, 2025)
Educated at London’s Arts Educational School, Laurretta Summerscales began her professional career with the English National Ballet, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer before joining the Bavarian State Ballet in 2017. Internationally acclaimed for her virtuosity and emotional depth, she is one of Europe’s most beloved ballerinas.
Her Giselle is emotionally riveting—fragile and luminous, yet filled with an inner fire. Summerscales’ total commitment transforms each performance into a profoundly moving experience.
Each ballerina’s style is unique, yet all share the highest artistry, polished under Laurent Hilaire’s discerning eye. This is the magic of a great company: no matter which Giselle graces the stage, audiences will witness ballet at its finest.
The production itself is a jewel. Staged by Peter Wright after the legendary choreography of Coralli, Perrot, and Petipa, with designs by Peter Farmer, it honors the romantic tradition while breathing with contemporary vitality. The Orquestra Simfònica del Gran Teatre del Liceu, under Robertas Šervenikas, will illuminate the score of Adolphe Adam, enriched with music by Friedrich Burgmüller and Riccardo Drigo.
Fresh from triumph at the Munich Opera in July — where audiences saw Giselle danced with rare beauty by Ksenia Shevtsova alongside Julian MacKay, and by Maria Baranova with Jakob Feyferlik — the Bayerisches Staatsballett now brings its artistry to Barcelona. With five performances only, from 21 to 26 October, this will be an unmissable event for every ballet lover.
Tickets are already in high demand. Whether your Giselle is Shevtsova, Summerscales, Keller, or Tonev, one thing is certain: you will experience a masterpiece interpreted by stars of the highest order, guided by a master director who once lit up the Paris Opera stage himself.
Prepare to be moved, uplifted, and utterly spellbound. Giselle is returning to Barcelona — and she is more radiant than ever.
On October 21 and 26, Ksenia Shevtsova, trained at the legendary Vaganova Academy, opens and closes the run. Her Giselle, steeped in Russian lyricism and purity of line, will be seen twice, offering audiences two chances to discover her ethereal artistry. She will be partnered first by Jakob Feyferlik (Oct 21), noble and elegant as Albrecht, and then by the magnetic Julian MacKay (Oct 26).
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On October 23, Violetta Keller takes the role, dancing alongside Julian MacKay, a dancer of striking presence and refined technique. Their pairing promises a fiery and heartfelt reading of the tragedy.
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On October 24, it is Elisabeth Tonev who steps into Giselle’s world. With Jakob Feyferlik as her Albrecht and Florian Ulrich Sollfrank as Hilarion, her performance is expected to blend delicacy with deep dramatic power.
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On October 25, the stage belongs to the British star Laurretta Summerscales, whose luminous artistry and emotional clarity have captivated audiences worldwide. She will be joined by the virtuosic Osiel Gouneo as Albrecht and Robin Strona as Hilarion — a trio that promises fireworks of passion and intensity.
Around them, the Albrechts — Feyferlik, MacKay, Gouneo — reveal the many shades of nobility, deception, and remorse. The Hilarions — Strona, Ivkin, Sollfrank — ground the story in earthy passion and tragic fate.
In these Barcelona performances, no two evenings will be the same. Every Giselle will give her soul, every Albrecht will reveal another face of desire and regret, every Hilarion will remind us of love unreturned.
What unites them all is the eternal truth of this ballet: that love, in its most fragile and exalted form, lives on — even beyond the grave.
«Жизель» — самый романтичный балет возвращается в Барселону
21–26 октября 2025 года, Театр Лисео
Giselle — An Enchanting Triumph in Barcelona ✨
Last night’s premiere of Giselle was nothing less than a revelation — a dazzling celebration of artistry, emotion, and the eternal magic of ballet. From the first delicate notes of the overture to the final, heart-stirring moments, the audience was transported into a world of poetry, passion, and spectral beauty.
The production, under the masterful direction of Peter Wright, pays homage to the timeless choreography of Coralli, Perrot, and Petipa, preserving its romantic purity while breathing into it a freshness and vitality that feels utterly alive. The orchestra, conducted with exquisite sensitivity, performed with shimmering color and lyrical grace — a soundscape as tender as it was thrilling. Every phrase, every crescendo seemed to pulse in harmony with the dancers’ breath.
The sets and costumes by Peter Farmer created an atmosphere of haunting loveliness — soft mists, moonlit forests, and rustic village scenes that shimmered with painterly detail. It was a feast for the senses, evoking the ethereal charm and melancholy spirit that define Giselle.
The dancers themselves were radiant — a company of extraordinary talent, commitment, and unity. Their precision was impeccable, yet never mechanical; their movements flowed like living music.
The leading roles, Giselle and Albrecht, were performed with transcendent beauty. Their chemistry illuminated the stage with emotion so palpable it drew tears from many in the audience. Every arabesque, every lift, every trembling gesture spoke of innocence, betrayal, forgiveness, and eternal love.
Cast – October 23
Choreography after: Coralli / Perrot / Petipa
Production and staging: Peter Wright
Libretto: Théophile Gautier & Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges
Music: Adolphe Adam, Friedrich Burgmüller, Riccardo Drigo
Sets and Costumes: Peter Farmer
Musical Direction: Robertas Šervenikas
Giselle — Violetta Keller
Albrecht, Duke of Franconia — Julian MacKay
Hilarion — Konstantin Ivkin
Berthe, Giselle’s Mother — Séverine Ferrolier
Duke of Courland — Florian Ulrich Sollfrank
Bathilde, his Daughter — Elisa Mestres
Wilfried, Albrecht’s Confidant — Severin Brunhuber
Huntsmen Leader — Zoltán Manó Beke
Pas de six Solo Lady — Zhanna Gubanova
Pas de six Solo Gentleman — Frederick Stuckwisch
Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis — Carollina Bastos
Moyna — Maria Chiara Bono
Zulme — Margarita Giselle
Each artist contributed a distinctive brilliance to this ensemble. From the powerful nobility of Julian MacKay’s Albrecht to the lyrical vulnerability of Violetta Keller’s Giselle, their partnership captured the very essence of romantic ballet. MacKay’s effortless technique and princely bearing were matched by the emotional transparency of Keller’s dancing — a Giselle of exquisite fragility and spiritual radiance.
The audience yesterday was also thrilled by Jakob Feyferlik, who, following his recent triumph at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires in Onegin with Marianela Núñez, offered in Barcelona an Albrecht of unforgettable depth and poetic intensity. His interpretation was noble, heartfelt, and technically impeccable — an ideal Albrecht, impossible to forget. he will dance again the 24th october with Elisabeth Tonev.
Florian Ulrich Sollfrank, fresh from his success on the 21st, once again enchants audiences with his refined artistry. His Albrecht glows with elegance, his entrechats are of breathtaking brilliance — he embodies the perfect romantic hero.
Upcoming Performances
On October 25, the luminous Laurretta Summerscales will take the stage as Giselle, bringing her radiant presence and deeply expressive artistry, alongside the incomparable Osiel Gouneo as Albrecht, whose charisma and strength add magnetic energy to every scene. Robin Strona will bring his passionate artistry to the role of Hilarion, adding dramatic power to the story’s unfolding tragedy.
Then, on October 26, audiences will be once again spellbound by the divine and mesmerizing Ksenia Shevtsova, whose portrayal of Giselle has already left a lasting impression. She dances with an otherworldly grace, combining ethereal technique with profound emotional truth. She will be partnered by Julian MacKay as Albrecht and Konstantin Ivkin as Hilarion — a trio of artists whose chemistry promises another night of pure enchantment.
Every performance of this Giselle is a unique jewel — a union of dance, music, and emotion that transcends time. It is a testament to the power of classical ballet to move, to transport, and to transform.
With its blend of romantic elegance, haunting beauty, and human truth, this production reminds us why Giselle remains one of the crown jewels of the repertoire. Under Peter Wright’s inspired vision and with this exceptional company of dancers, it becomes not merely a ballet, but a dream made visible — a living poem of love and redemption that will linger long in the hearts of all who witness it.
Ни один балет не воплощает в себе саму суть романтизма лучше, чем «Жизель» — произведение, сочетающее в себе завораживающую красоту, поэтическую грацию и неподвластные времени эмоции. В октябре этого года, после нескольких лет отсутствия, «Жизель» возвращается на сцену Театра Лисео в исполнении Баварского государственного балета, одной из самых выдающихся балетных компаний Европы. Под вдохновенным руководством Лорана Илера — легендарной звезды Парижской оперы, прославившейся работой в великих постановках Рудольфа Нуреева, — труппа вступила в новый золотой век.
Эти пять спектаклей делают захватывающими не только сам балет, но и созвездие балерин, которые могут выступить в роли Жизели. Хотя состав исполнителей пока не объявлен, каждая из возможных исполнительниц — это ведущий солист международного уровня, что гарантирует уровень мастерства, с которым могут сравниться лишь немногие труппы.
Мария Баранова, с её лучезарной фразировкой и безмятежным классицизмом, танцует с внутренней лирикой, идеально подходящей невинности и хрупкости Жизели. Ксения Шевцова, выпускница прославленной Академии имени Вагановой, обладает русской утончённостью и музыкальностью, которые придают её интерпретациям воздушность, потусторонность. Лауретта Саммерскейлс, блистательная британская звезда, сочетает бесстрашную технику с ярким драматическим чутьём — её Жизель была бы одновременно мощной и душераздирающей. Виолетта Келлер, недавно назначенная на пост прима-балерины, представляет собой яркое новое поколение: свежее, выразительное и многообещающее. Элизабет Тонев, с детства погруженная в балет, привносит аристократическую линию и кристальную технику, способную создать незабываемый образ.
Стиль каждой балерины уникален, но всех их объединяет высочайший артистизм, отточенный под проницательным взглядом Лорана Илера. В этом и заключается магия великой труппы: независимо от того, какая «Жизель» появится на сцене, зрители увидят балет в его лучшем проявлении.
Сама постановка — настоящая жемчужина. Поставленная Питером Райтом по легендарной хореографии Коралли, Перро и Петипа, в декорациях Питера Фармера, она чтит романтические традиции, одновременно вдыхая в себя современную энергию. Симфонический оркестр Большого театра Лисео под управлением Робертаса Шервеникаса исполнит партитуру «Адольфа Адана», дополненную музыкой Фридриха Бургмюллера и Риккардо Дриго.
После триумфа в Мюнхенской опере в июле, где зрители увидели «Жизель» в исполнении Ксении Шевцовой и Джулиана Маккая, а также Марии Барановой и Якоба Фейферлика, Баварский государственный балет теперь представляет своё искусство в Барселоне. Всего пять представлений, с 21 по 26 октября, станут незабываемым событием для каждого любителя балета.
Билеты уже пользуются огромным спросом. Независимо от того, кто исполняет вашу «Жизель» — Баранова, Шевцова, Саммерскейлс, Келлер или Тонев, одно можно сказать наверняка: вы увидите шедевр в интерпретации звёзд высочайшего класса под руководством мастера-режиссёра, который когда-то сам блистал на сцене Парижской оперы.
Приготовьтесь к волнению, воодушевлению и полному очарованию. «Жизель» возвращается в Барселону — и она ещё более сияющая, чем когда-либо.
Giselle — Le ballet le plus romantique revient à Barcelone
21 – 26 octobre 2025, Gran Teatre del Liceu
Aucun ballet n'incarne mieux l'essence du romantisme que Giselle : une œuvre d'une beauté envoûtante, d'une grâce poétique et d'une émotion intemporelle. En octobre, après plusieurs années d'absence, Giselle revient sur la scène du Gran Teatre del Liceu, interprétée par le Bayerisches Staatsballett, l'une des compagnies de ballet les plus prestigieuses d'Europe. Sous la direction inspirée de Laurent Hilaire, lui-même étoile légendaire du Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris, célébré pour son travail avec les grandes productions de Rudolf Noureev, la compagnie entre dans un nouvel âge d'or.
Ce qui rend ces cinq représentations si passionnantes, ce n'est pas seulement le ballet lui-même, mais aussi la constellation de ballerines qui pourraient incarner Giselle. Bien que la distribution n'ait pas encore été annoncée, chaque interprète potentiel est un danseur étoile de renommée internationale, garantissant un niveau d'excellence que peu de compagnies peuvent égaler.
Maria Baranova, avec son phrasé lumineux et son classicisme serein, danse avec un lyrisme intérieur parfaitement adapté à l'innocence et à la fragilité de Giselle. Ksenia Shevtsova, formée à la légendaire Académie Vaganova, offre un raffinement et une musicalité russes qui confèrent à ses interprétations une qualité éthérée et surnaturelle. Laurretta Summerscales, radieuse étoile britannique, allie une technique audacieuse à un sens dramatique vif – sa Giselle serait à la fois puissante et bouleversante. Violetta Keller, nouvellement nommée danseuse étoile, incarne la nouvelle génération prometteuse : fraîche, expressive et pleine de promesses. Elisabeth Tonev, baignée dans le ballet depuis sa naissance, apporte une ligne aristocratique et une technique cristalline qui pourraient façonner une interprétation inoubliable.
Le style de chaque ballerine est unique, mais toutes partagent un art irréprochable, peaufiné sous l'œil avisé de Laurent Hilaire. C'est la magie d'une grande compagnie : quelle que soit la Giselle qui montera sur scène, le public assistera à un ballet d'une splendeur exceptionnelle.
La production elle-même est un joyau. Mis en scène par Peter Wright d'après la chorégraphie légendaire de Coralli, Perrot et Petipa, avec des décors de Peter Farmer, il honore la tradition romantique tout en insufflant une vitalité contemporaine. L'Orquestra Simfònica del Gran Teatre del Liceu, sous la direction de Robertas Šervenikas, illuminera la partition d'Adolphe Adam, enrichie par des musiques de Friedrich Burgmüller et Riccardo Drigo.
Fort de son triomphe à l'Opéra de Munich en juillet, où le public a pu admirer Giselle dansée avec une rare beauté par Ksenia Shevtsova aux côtés de Julian MacKay et par Maria Baranova avec Jakob Feyferlik, le Bayerisches Staatsballett présente désormais son art à Barcelone. Avec seulement cinq représentations, du 21 au 26 octobre, ce sera un événement incontournable pour tout amateur de ballet.
Les billets sont déjà très demandés. Que votre Giselle soit Baranova, Shevtsova, Summerscales, Keller ou Tonev, une chose est sûre : vous vivrez un chef-d’œuvre interprété par des stars de premier plan, guidées par un maître metteur en scène qui a illuminé la scène de l’Opéra de Paris.
Préparez-vous à être émue, exaltée et profondément envoûtée. Giselle revient à Barcelone, plus rayonnante que jamais.
