Bartok in Cleveland

Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet makes its heavily anticipated return to Cleveland on the weekend of April 7-10, performing two dramatic compositions by Bela Bartok, accompanied by the world renown Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall.

The first piece, “The Miraculous Mandarin,” was composed by Bartok and is based on the story by Melchior Lengyel.

The ballet, which tells the tale of a girl who forcibly lures a wealthy man to his tragic demise, is known for its sensual, controversial and powerful nature and was therefore banned in Germany after its premiere in 1926.

The following piece, Bartok’s only opera, is called “Bluebeard’s Castle.”  Equally as dramatic as The Miraculous Mandarin, “Bluebeard’s Castle” tells the story of Bluebeard and his bride Judith upon entering a dark hall in the massive castle.  Determined to bring sunlight and happiness into the dark chambers, Judith attempts to unlock all seven doors, but instead has horrifying encounters that end in her tragic fate.

Both pieces are choreographed by Yuri Possokhov, a former principal dancer at the Bolshoi, San Francisco, and Royal Danish ballets and conducted by Franz Welser-Most, the Cleveland Orchestra director.  Set, lighting and projection design are by Alexander V. Nichols, with costume design by Mark Zappone.  The concert also features Mikhail Petrenko and Katarina Dalayman as lead vocalists.

Michael Strasser, the professor of musicology at Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music, will speak at a concert preview starting 90 minutes before each night’s show. The concert itself will start at 7 p.m. on Thurs., 8 p.m. on Fri. and Sat. and 3 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets range from $29-$79 depending on seat location and concert preview tickets are free with concert tickets.  For more information on ticket and parking availability and the content of the performance, visit clevelandorchestra.com.  A preview video of the concert can be found here.