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Queensland to experience flagship ballet company in free simulcast

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch today announced eight Queensland cities and towns will experience Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company’s exclusive performance of Don Quixote via a free simulcast, as part of the 2018 QPAC International Series program. 

“Communities as far west as Mount Isa and as north as Hinchinbrook can watch Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company’s Australian premiere performance of Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote, simulcast live from QPAC’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday 10 November,” Minister Enoch said.

“The Queensland simulcast will be broadcast at Moncrieff Entertainment Centre (Bundaberg), Hinchinbrook, Longreach Secondary School, Brolga Theatre (Maryborough), Mount Isa Civic Centre, Pilbeam Theatre (Rockhampton), Armitage Centre (Toowoomba) and Townsville Civic Theatre.

“Audiences will see one of the world’s most renowned ballet companies perform a signature ballet with music played live by Queensland Symphony Orchestra, along with exclusive pre-performance content,” Minister Enoch said.

“The Queensland Government supports the QPAC International Series to bring the world’s most recognised performance companies exclusively to Queensland. Since 2009, it has reached a collective audience of more than 140,000 people and contributed over $20 million to the Queensland economy.”

Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said showcasing this internationally renowned company in Queensland was another win for the State’s tourism industry.

“Hosting Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company for the first-time in Australia would be a strong drawcard for ballet fans and cements our State’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination,” Minister Jones said.

“This builds on last year’s Royal Ballet success and this year we are expanding our reach, giving even more audiences in regional Queensland the opportunity to view these performances via simulcast.”

The performance of Don Quixote pays tribute to Rudolf Nureyev, marking the 80th anniversary of his birth this year and the 25th anniversary of his death.

Rudolf Nureyev’s version of Don Quixote, based on episodes of Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel Don Quixote de la Mancha, premiered at Vienna Opera Ballet in 1966 and has been in Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company’s repertoire since 1980, with Nureyev himself starring alongside Carla Fracci.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said Teatro alla Scala’s first-ever Australian visit in its 240-year history would connect with Queenslanders throughout the state.

“The simulcast is part of a rich program of events and activities planned for this amazing company,” Mr Kotzas said.

The 2018 QPAC International Series will see the Company present the iconic stage classics Don Quixote (7 to 11 and 17 November) and Giselle (14 to 16 and 18 November) at QPAC, alongside an extensive program celebrating Italian arts and culture on and off the stage.

The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, supports the 2018 QPAC International Series which features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

The simulcasts of Don Quixote are free but require bookings. Please visit qpac.com.au/lascala