Description

The famous Les Nuits d’été cycle is one of Hector Berlioz’ most popular works. The leading French composer writes these six songs for voice and piano, to poetry by Théophile Gautier, striving to musically render, through his delicate melodies, love in its most idealised form.

Based on the song cycle of the same title, Konstantinos Rigos creates together with the GNO Ballet a work about love, loneliness, the quest, the journey. Gestures and shapes create a kaleidoscope of our individual inner summer. “Les Nuits d’été is a work that makes us reminisce of all those nights we love, fall in love, dream, live…. It talks about the fluidity of relationships and how everything can evolve under the moonlight. With references to Romanticism and the classical dance technique, the work’s dancers dive into the black waters of the sea and the black colour of senses and delusions”, notes Konstantinos Rigos. The work is performed by acclaimed baritone Tassis Christoyannis, accompanied on the piano by Sofia Tamvakopoulou.

Les Nuits d’été was presented in the Greek National Opera Alternative Stage as part of the contemporary dance triptych "Colors" on November 12, 14, 16, 17, 18 2023.

Creative team – Cast

Choreography, set: Konstantinos Rigos
Music: Hector Berlioz
Lyrics: Théophile Gautier
Costumes: Deux Hommes
Lighting design: Christos Tziogkas

Tassis Christoyannis (baritone), Sofia Tamvakopoulou (piano)

Performing:
Vangelis Bikos, 
Manes Alberdi, Despina Chrysostomou, Giannis Gantsios, Elena Kekkou, Giannis Mitrakis, Marita NIkolitsa, Stefano Pietragala, Eleftheria Stamou

Photos & videos

Photos