Mayerling

Production de 2019

• Conductor

  Martin Yates

• Choreography

  Kenneth MacMillan

• Music

  Franz Liszt

• Libretto

  Gillian Freeman

• Set design and Costume design

  Nicholas Georgiadis

• Arrangements and orchestration

  John Lanchbery

• Lighting design

  Jacopo Pantani

Mayerling is the name of the hunting lodge in which the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Rudolf, was found dead in 1889. Why did the son of Emperor Franz Joseph and Elisabeth (the famous Sissi) commit suicide in the company of his mistress, the young Mary Vetsera?

Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet inspired by this mystery‑shrouded historic event was first performed in London in 1978 and entered the Paris Opera’s repertoire in 2022. Plagued by addictions and suicidal thoughts, a tormented character buffeted by history, Rudolf provides an opportunity for the choreographer to develop themes dear to him.

Set to feverish music by Franz Liszt, Mayerling unfolds an immensely theatrical neo-classical choreography. Grandiose scenes are interwoven with intimate scenes in sumptuous costumes whose autumnal hues reflect the decline of a world destined to disappear.

With the Paris Opera Étoiles, Premières Danseuses, Premiers Danseurs and Corps de Ballet
The Paris Opera Orchestra

Mayerling

Production de 2019