„It is a great honor for me to present such prestigious companies and outstanding dancers in Prague. My goal is not only to offer the best of world ballet but also to strengthen intercultural dialogue through art,“ says Bubeníček.
For the first time in Europe: Tokyo City Ballet
One of the highlights of this year's gala will be the historic first European performance of the Tokyo City Ballet, with which Bubeníček has collaborated three times before. „For this company, I created the choreography L’heure bleue, which I have expanded and tailored specifically for Prague. It is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Japanese interpretive style and working approach,“ adds the choreographer.
World stars on one stage
Audiences can look forward to twenty-five extraordinary artists – from principal soloists and étoiles to holders of prestigious awards. „Many of them are stars of the most recognized stages in the world, but above all, they are people who put their soul into every movement,“ says Bubeníček. The program will feature, for example, the choreography Spring and Fall by John Neumeier performed by Alexander Trusch and Olivia Betteridge from Hamburg Ballet, where Bubeníček served as a principal soloist for thirteen years. The gala program will also showcase an excerpt from his ballet Carmen featuring étoile Rebecca Bianchi from Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and the charismatic Javier Rojas, winner of the famous Italian competition Amici.
Art as a living dialogue
„I believe that this evening will bring audiences not only strong artistic experiences but also peace, hope, and inspiration. Art has a fundamental significance in every era – and today perhaps more than ever. It can connect us regardless of language, origin, or faith. Dance, which takes place in the present moment right before your eyes, has a power that cannot be described in words,“ adds Bubeníček.
Music and dance hand in hand
Both evenings will be accompanied by a live chamber orchestra, and soprano Romana Kružíková will also perform. „I don’t want the gala to be just a showcase of dance. I want to offer audiences a comprehensive artistic experience – that’s why not only music will be performed live, but also an extraordinary vocal performance,“ explains Bubeníček.
A space for young talents
Alongside world stars, talented students from the summer Bubeníček Ballet Masterclasses will also take the stage. „The connection of experienced artists with young aspirants brings a unique energy. For students, it is an unforgettable experience, and for audiences, it is a chance to discover new names that they will hear about in the future,“ adds Bubeníček.
Meeting with the artist
Part of the program is a public discussion with Jiří Bubeníček, which will take place on Sunday, August 17 at 4:00 PM directly on the stage of the Hybernia Theatre. The discussion will offer personal insights into the creation, experiences, and inspirations of one of the most prominent choreographers of our time.
Tickets for both evenings are on sale online and at the box office of the Hybernia Theatre, with only a limited number of seats remaining.
The Bubeníček International Ballet Gala is held under the auspices of the Minister of Culture Mgr. Martin Baxa, the Mayor of Prague doc. MUDr. Bohuslav Svoboda, CSc., the Embassy of Japan in the Czech Republic, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Czech Republic. The main media partner of the project is Czech Television.
Jiří Bubeníček is one of the most respected figures in the dance world. A former principal soloist of the Hamburg Ballet and Semperoper in Dresden, he has received numerous prestigious awards during his nearly twenty-five-year career, including the Benois de la Danse award for his role as Armand in the ballet The Lady of the Camellias. As a choreographer, he has created over seventy works, ranging from short choreographies to full-length narrative ballets. His interpretations of classic stories such as Doctor Zhivago, The Trial, Romeo and Juliet, or the most recent La Strada and Cyrano de Bergerac have achieved extraordinary success. „Bubeníček's choreographic handwriting is characterized by extraordinary musicality, technical precision, and the ability to tell a story through movement,“ critiques evaluate his work.
