Queensland Secures Another Bolshoi Exclusive

The applause and standing ovations are set to continue for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) International Series with the announcement today that the mighty Bolshoi Ballet will return exclusively to Queensland for the Series in 2019.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said it's no secret the Bolshoi have wanted to return since the day they left in 2013, it was just a matter of locking in a time in their highly demanding performance calendar as well as waiting till contracts were signed to make it official.

"The Bolshoi will present two ballets, Spartacus and triple bill Jewels in QPAC's Lyric Theatre between 26 June and 7 July 2019, including the rare opportunity for audiences to make a weekend of it and see both ballet productions on the first weekend of the season.

"The last QPAC International Series appearance for the Bolshoi featured some of the more traditional works of the company and this 2019 season will show what the Bolshoi are renowned for today.

"At the Russian company's home in Moscow, seasons of Spartacus and Jewels are booked out months in advance and we expect to see the same for this exclusive Queensland return," Mr Kotzas said.

Acting Minister for the Arts Craig Crawford said Queensland Symphony Orchestra would accompany the Bolshoi season in 2019.

"This will continue the important legacy of the QPAC International Series making connections between the visiting company and Queensland artists," he said.

Minister Crawford said a program of related community activities would take place around Bolshoi's Brisbane mainstage season.

"Last year's International Series, featuring the Australian debut of Teatro alla Scala, engaged thousands of people in performances and supplementary events and activities," he said.

"Since 2009, the QPAC International Series has developed Queensland's reputation as Australia's leading cultural tourism destination for audiences and clearly for the world's best ballet companies as well."

Acting Tourism Industry Development Minister Di Farmer said the QPAC International Series continued to prove Queensland's ability to attract exclusive world-class cultural events.

"It's a privilege to welcome back this world-renowned ballet company for the second time in six years, which is sure to be a major drawcard for visitors all over the country," Ms Farmer said.

"Since 2009 the QPAC International Series has welcomed some of the world's finest performance companies, delivering $25.5 million for the Queensland economy and cementing Queensland's reputation as a leading vibrant cultural destination.

"Last year alone Teatro alla Scala generated more than 20,000 visitor nights for Brisbane, with direct and incremental spending of $4.87 million a significant contributor to the state's tourism economy.

"The Bolshoi will be a highlight on the 2019 It's Live! in Queensland major events calendar, expected to be worth $800 million to the state this year."

The Bolshoi Ballet's Director Makhar Vaziev said preparations could now get underway for this massive undertaking but they are in good hands working with QPAC.

"We are happy to show in Brisbane two ballets from our repertoire - two masterpieces of outstanding choreographers of the 20th century - Spartacus by Yuri Grigorovich and Jewels by George Balanchine.

"Spartacus is the heroic ballet of Grigorovich with exciting characters, powerful passions, and dynamic action. Jewels is the neoclassic of Balanchine and will permit us to present rather extensively the young generation of the Bolshoi Ballet dancers to the Australian audience," said Mr Vaziev.

The QPAC International Series is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It's Live! In Queensland events calendar. The Series is also supported by Principal Partner MinterEllison.

In November 2018, a total audience of 20,685 Queenslanders and visitors experienced Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company over 13 performances at QPAC. In addition, close to 100,000 people engaged with QPAC International Series associated events and activities in the lead up to and during the seasons of Don Quixote and Giselle including the Live Simulcast, The Student Movement, Conversations Series, Exhibitions and Masterclasses.

Tickets for the exclusive Queensland season by the Bolshoi Ballet go on-sale to the general public on Thursday 24 January 2019. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.qpac.com.au/bolshoi or call 136 246.

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