Sydney Dance
Company and Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Canberra
Theatre until 14th September.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
 |
| Dancers of the Sydney dance Company with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in "Project Rameau" |
When two of
the nation’s foremost performing arts companies join forces there is an expectation
that something pretty special will emerge. In this case, it’s a masterwork
which exceeds all expectations for the sheer perfection of its exquisite
melding of music and dance to illuminate both art forms.
“Project
Rameau” is performed to a collection of opulent baroque dance music originally
written by Jean-Philippe Rameau for long-forgotten operas and ballets, into
which compositions by Vivaldi and Bach have been seamlessly interpolated. Taking
his inspiration from this exhilaratingly complex music, choreographer, Rafael
Bonachela has responded with an equally fascinating contemporary choreographic
vocabulary which brilliantly matches the kaleidoscopic musical mood changes,
practically note for note. His
choreographic invention never flags, as his stunning ensemble of impeccably
groomed, stylishly costumed dancers perform it with an electrifying élan that
is simply mesmerising.
The physical
presence of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, performing on a raised stage
behind the dancers, adds to the power of the presentation with the dancers appearing
to take inspiration from the orchestra’s intense music-making to respond with
their own stunningly physical interpretations. Wide sweeping upper-body
movements contrast with complex hand
gestures as duos, solos and ensemble
passages follow each other in quick
succession reaching its emotional heart in a gorgeous duet performed by Charmene Yap, dancing with Bernhard Knauer ,
to a Bach Sarabande, exquisitely played on solo violin by Dale Barltrop.
 |
| Charmene Yap, Bernard Knauer with Dale Bartrop (violin) |
The third
essential component of this marvellous work is the inspired set and lighting
design of Benjamin Cisterne which insures that every significant gesture of
dancer or musician is brought to the attention of the audience. “Project
Rameau” is a project not to be missed.
(This review appears in the 13.09.13 digital copy of CITY NEWS)