Opera Ball: Vienna State Opera, February 20th, 2020 and the exquisite Choreography by Eno Peçi .

Normally I do NOT comment the Opera Ball – it is for me quite an outdated and old-fashioned event which I do not really like very much. Especially because it lacks the guest visitors we used to have. But this year is an exception. I am breaking my own rule. But hasn't somebody once said: „ Rules are made to be broken. Especially mine, by me"?

Copyright: Vienna State Ballet / Ashley Taylor

For the first time since I have been watching the Openings, I was surprised by the choreography. Eno Peçi's exquisite use of the space (which is a difficult one. Narrow and very, very long) was simply perfect. Lots of action not only from the back to the front but CONSTANTLY from both sides. It was, to my way of thinking, the first really original use of the space. Although every year old choreographers keep posting their quite conventional “elderly” versions telling quite obviously “in extra lines”, how marvellous THEY were. But the problem is: they all look alike. This time Mr Peçi gave us a new, fresh “reading” of the opening. And how it suited the space! Chapeau!

A nice „farewell" to Ballet director Manuel Legris, now nearly at the end of his last season at the Vienna State Opera, dancing with most of his Principals.

Special mention also to Olga Esina, Nina Poláková, Ketevan Papava, Natascha Mair, Nikisha Fogo, Denys Cherevychko, Roman Lazik, Alice Firenze, Ioanna Avraam and Jakob Feyferlik. Such a beautiful accomplishment!

Although ORF TV moderation before the opening was one of the most boring and unprofessional ones I have ever experienced, I stayed up to watch it. And it was worth it! But I must add that the comments about the ballet academy were completely superfluous and unnecessary. It’d be nicer if the two gentlemen who tried to comment on the ballet, would talk less and let us enjoy more the music.

Bravo, Eno Peçi: Great Job!

Ricardo Leitner