Tour offer and references of the Sorbian National Ensemble
OFFER
For every theatre season we offer you a selection from our most successful productions in the areas of dance and music theatre, concerts or children’s music theatre. We offer, for comparatively small cost, the unique experience of hiring a touring theatre that is also an official ambassador of Lusatia. As part of a tour, with moderation, (guest) soloists or enlarged by a partner orchestra, our guest performances are invoiced solely to cover tour costs. This means that, with our own professional orchestra, ballet and choir, we are able to offer the diversity of Sorbian (and international) culture to a broad public as part of an exciting dialogue between traditional and modern, between Sorbian, German and international high culture.
REFERENCES
Already, our tours have taken us across more than 40 countries spread over 4 continents, with a total of 14,000 guest performances – notably, our productions have enjoyed the prestige of performing on stages such as the Hamburg State Opera, the Baden-Baden Festival Hall, the Concert Hall Berlin, the Prince Regent Theatre Munich and the Auditorium de Palma. Our guest performances are also widely enjoyed in appropriate performance venues, from small to large, cosy to mainstream: theatres and concert halls, in cultural centres, civic centres or educational institutions, at music and dance festivals or open-air events, as well as for special celebrations. There are no language barriers with our guest performances due to our sorbian background. True to our motto ‘At home in Lausitz, on the road across the world’, we convey to our audience the message that music and dance are universal languages which nevertheless conjure a direct connection to Sorbian culture wherever we may be.
SERVICE
We keep your costs to a minimum, and yet we ensure that the organisation and implementation runs smoothly, by taking care of travel and assistance of on-site technical and artistic support, transportation, catering and accommodation. Simply come and join the audience at your venue!
Visitors can expect the most beautiful excerpts from Sorbian weddings in Upper, Middle and Lower Lusatia, including wedding customs with their specific regional elements and traditional costumes. A choir, ballet and orchestra present typical music, folk songs and dances from those regions. One special experience are the original sounds of the Sorbian folk instruments, such as the small and large Sorbian fiddle, bagpipes and tarakawa. A celebration of Slavic folklore along the Spree ...
“The audience loved it (...) Bravos and long lasting applause (...) huge success (...) The musicians played extremely dynamically and passionately (...) a great success" (Press comment)
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/tanz-und-musiktheater/sorb-hochzeiten/
How have people been able to keep their humanity in dark times? This question was the prompt for a choreographic exploration dedicated to all those who resisted National Socialism. But it’s not just about political insurgency. Not allowing oneself to be destroyed in the innermost part of one’s soul, while mobilising all forms of spiritual and cultural forces of resistance, is certainly a timeless theme. A ballet piece halfway between reflectiveness and an exuberance for life.
"Convincing ensemble performance (...) the audience in the sold out hall expressed its thanks with long lasting applause" (Press comment)
TRAILER, IMPRESSIONS & PRESS REFERENCES www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/tanztheater-musiktheater/fuer-maria-mitte-der-nacht/
MUSIK Bjarnat Krawc
INSTRUMENTIERUNG Hans-Peter Preu
INSZENIERUNG & CHOREOGRAPHIE Tomas Kreibich Nawka, Gundula Peuthert
BESETZUNG Chor, Orchester und Ballett
PROGRAMMDAUER ca. 90 Minuten zzgl. Pause
MUSIC Korla Awgust Kocor et al.
CHOREOGRAPHY Mirko Mahr
LIBRETTO, STAGE DESIGN Philipp J. Neumann
CAST Ballet, choir with soloists (plus live orchestra on demand)
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 90 minutes plus break
In the choreography of the ballet director of 'MuKo', Leipzig Opera House
The composer Korla Awgust Kocor is famous for his national Sorbian oratorios on the seasons, which combine classical balance with Slavic-romantic sensibility. In the choreography by the Leipzig ballet director Mirko Mahr, a transposition of Kocor’s works into dance, enriched by newly composed sequences of electronic music, will be seen for the first time, in which Slavic folkloristic elements enter into dialogue with a contemporary dance expression in order to trace the parallels between life cycles and seasons.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/tanztheater-musiktheater/wir-waren-wir-sind-wir-werden-sein/
Das Tanzstück „Smy! - Bin ich?“ befasst sich mit dem Thema Identität im Allgemeinen und
im Besonderen. Die Suche nach ihr liegt uns Menschen in der Natur. Gemeinsam mit der
Tanzcompany des Sorbischen National-Ensembles geht die Leipziger Choreografin Gundula
Peuthert der Frage nach, was es bedeutet sorbisch zu sein.
Menschen der Region sollen in Interviews zu sorbischen Themen befragt werden, um daraus
aktuelle Fragen und Antworten herzuleiten, die ihrerseits wiederum als Stoff für die choreografische
Auseinandersetzung dienen.
Die Tänzerinnen und Tänzer selbst können sich auf Grund ihrer eigenen verschiedenen
Nationalitäten, ihrem Hintergrund, aus vielen Perspektiven dem Thema gegenüber vorurteilsfrei
nähern. Selbst ein Fremder in einem fremden Land zu sein, wird dieser Weg - sich mit einer Minderheit
in Deutschland zu befassen - sehr spannend. Was sind Gemeinsamkeiten, wo liegen die
Unterschiede, was sind Klischees, was sind Vorurteile? Was wünschen wir uns voneinander - im
Umgang miteinander?
In einem tänzerischen Gedankenspiel können wir alle etwas über unsere eigene Identität
und die des Anderen erfahren.
CAST Ballet and speaker
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 60 minutes, no break
For children 5+ - instructive, interactive and entertaining
Dancing is fun – but who actually started it? How do they dance in Lusatia? What do the waltz and rock 'n roll have in common? How did the tango end up in Europe? And why do you need a répétiteur? Together with the Sorbian National Ensemble ballet, Kristina Nerad spans the spectrum from medieval procession dance to jazz dance, from dance lessons at court to Sorbian folk dance, and looks with the little schoolchildren into a ballet hall on stage, where some styles and forms of dance history can be experienced.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/kindermusiktheater/schuelerkonzerte/eine-kleine-tanzgeschichte/
CAST Orchestra, ballet, 2 vocal soloists, moderator
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 90-120 minutes plus break
SNE production with highest demand
When dancing couples float across the stage in three-four time and the waltz dances on the violins’ strings, then you will experience the Sorbian National Ensemble in its usual top form with its operetta gala “You are the world to me”. In addition to the ever-present Strauss dynasty, works by talented contemporaries such as Franz Lehar or Richard Tauber, whose world-famous catchy tune lends its name to the programme, are performed. Enjoy an evening of pure wit, levity and entertainment!
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/konzerte/operettengala/
MUSIC Claude Debussy, Leroy Anderson, Andrew Lloyd Webber,
Paul Lincke, Erik Satie, Korla Awgust Kocor, et al.
CAST Orchestra, ballet, 2 vocal soloists, jazz pianist, moderator
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 90 minutes plus break
From classical to jazz music - even more atmospheric openair
The moon has always fascinated people. Our orchestra and ballet, complemented by soloists, dedicate themselves to our silent companion during this “Moon Night” with a selection of the most beautiful romantic melodies such as Claude Debussy’s “Claire de lune” or Erik Satie’s “Gymnopedie lunaire”. The moon also played a major role in jazz and many musicians were attracted to its mysterious nature. “Fly me to the moon” – let yourself be carried away through the galaxy of moon soaked jazz songs, but also the most beautiful lullabies.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/konzerte/an-den-mond/
CAST Orchestra, ballet, 2 vocal soloists, moderator
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 90 minutes plus break
Always sold out and enthusiastic resonance in audience and press - trailer online!
What better way to get the audience in the mood for the new year than a stylish concert with well-known melodies from operetta and musicals? In the New Year’s concerts by the Sorbian National Ensemble, the programme is also expanded to include energetic dance performances by the ballet. In addition to well-known classics by the Viennese Strauss dynasty and their contemporaries, samples of Sorbian composers will also be heard. First-class vocal soloists, a charming presenter and a captivating ballet promise a successful evening.
"Naturally, encores were called for – and granted, until hundreds of clapping members of the audience drowned out the orchestra during the Radetzky March" (Erfurt)
"The audience was enthusiastic and gave frenetic applause." (Elsenfeld)
"Spirited, captivating, humorous, virtuosi, elegant, rousing and graceful, colourful and varied (...) philharmonic sound art, folk music and the best entertainment from opera, operetta and musicals" (Balingen)
TRAILER, PRESS REFERENCES & IMPRESSIONS www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/konzerte/new-years-concert/
CAST Orchestra, 2 vocal soloists, moderator
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 90-120 minutes plus break
Already performed in the sold out Auditorium de Palma in Spain
Experience magical moments during a foray through the world of film and musicals music with the Sorbian National Ensemble orchestra and outstanding guest soloists. Adventure, romance and drama – the most fascinating moments of unforgotten Hollywood heroes as well as catchy Broadway tunes as a listening experience. Immerse yourself in the magic of great moments in cinema and musicals history!
TRAILER & IMPRESSIONS www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/konzerte/die-welt-der-filmmusik/
Der Pumpot ist eine der bekanntesten und beliebtesten sorbischen Sagenfiguren, da er, ähnlich dem Till Eulenspiegel, mit seinen lustigen Streichen für allerlei Turbulenzen sorgt. In fünf Bildern erzählt das Märchenballett “Die Abenteuer des Pumpot” die Geschichte des pfiffigen Müllerburschen mit seinem spitzen, breitkrempigen Zauberhut, von seiner Flucht vor dem habgierigen Müller und dessen Drachen und von den Begegnungen mit der schönen und strengen Mittagsfrau, den Irrlichtern und anderen Gestalten der sorbischen Sagenwelt auf seiner spannenden Wanderschaft durch die Lausitz.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/kindermusiktheater/pumpot/
MUSIC Gisbert Näther
LIBRETTO according to texts from Wilhelm Busch (translation possible)
CAST Orchestra and actor
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 55 minutes, no break
For children 5+
The composer Gisbert Näther has added lively, stimulating and at the same time suspenseful music to the humorous verses by Wilhelm Busch. Resulting in a playful dialogue between the narrator and orchestra. The content of the Busch verses becomes an entertaining musical experience for the young audience through the human voice on the one hand and the orchestra’s wide range of sounds on the other hand.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/kindermusiktheater/max-und-moritz/
MUSIC Liana Bertók
LIBRETTO Jěwa-Marja Čornakec (translation possible)
CAST orchestra and speaker
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 60 minutes, no break
For children 5+ - interactive and exciting education of music
How can a fox defeat such powerful opponents as the wolf, the bear and the wild boar without actually fighting them? In the fabulous world of this musical story, the children are not only listeners, but they become participants with the Orff Approach and collective singing. “Peter and the Wolf” experienced in a totally new way!
Already being booked by the Hamburg State Opera House
IMPRESSIONS & PRESS REFERENCES www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/kindermusiktheater/das-listige-fuechslein/
CAST ca. 17 vocal performers or ca. 14 ballet dancers
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 60 minutes, no break
For children 4+ - most popular children's music theatre of Lusatia
Every year, thousands of children in Lusatia eagerly await the new scenic production celebrating the Sorbian bird wedding tradition. The constantly revised subject of the unusual marriage between a magpie and raven, which only succeeds with joint help, is alternately staged as a musical for children or as a ballet fairy tale with a narrator and has not only been a successful series in Lusatia for decades, but is also popular throughout the German-speaking world. In addition to entertainment for the whole family, the plot is also educationally valuable for children. Production details depending on the desired booking period on request.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/kindermusiktheater/die-vogelhochzeit/
MUSIK & LIBRETTO Dr. Vincent Strehlow
BESETZUNG Orchester, Erzähler
PROGRAMMDAUER ca. 60 Minuten, keine Pause
Für Kinder ab 5 Jahren
Monat für Monat erleben die Abrafaxe in der legendären Zeitschrift „Mosaik“ ihre Abenteuer. Von einem Berliner Zeichnerteam liebevoll und detailgenau gestaltet, sorgt die Zeitschrift mit ihrer wahrscheinlich längsten fortlaufenden Abenteuergeschichte der Comicwelt schon seit Generationen dafür, dass Abrax, Brabax, Califax und natürlich die Ratte ein ganz neues Licht auf die bedeutenden Geschehnisse und Figuren der Menschheit werfen.
Nach dem großen Erfolg der „Abrafaxe-Symphonie“ und dem musikalischen Kinderbuch „So klingt Abenteuer!“ bringt Dr. Vincent Strehlow die Abrafaxe zurück auf die Konzertbühne. In dieser brandneuen musikalischen Abenteuergeschichte tauchen die Zuhörer, unterstützt durch den Sprecher und die Bilder aus dem „Mosaik“, in die verzauberte Welt der schwarzen Mühle in Schwarzkollm ein, die man aus der Krabat-Sage kennt. Durch eingängige Themen für die Abrafaxe und die Ratte, vorgetragen durch Querflöte, Englischhorn, Klarinette und Fagott, erhalten die Zuhörer spielerisch Zugang zu den Instrumenten im Orchester. So entsteht nicht nur eine neue spannende Abenteuergeschichte mit den Abrafaxen, sondern ein musikalisches Erlebnis für die ganze Familie.
CAST String quartet, actor and ballet couple
PROGRAMME DURATION ca. 80 minutes plus break
Available short-term and low-budget
The musicians in the “Chordophone” string quartet invite you to a varied chamber evening. An actress as a speaker and singer as well as two ballet soloists from the Sorbian National Ensemble round off the programme with joint performances. Sorbian folk songs in a modern arrangement can be heard from the great treasure of the Smoler collection. The following 2nd String Quartet by Henryk Mikolaj Gorecki is full of energy and emotion, which can also be experienced by the eyes through improvised expressive dance. Afterwards, the “Adiemus” variations by Karl Jenkins will take you into the world of popular music.
IMPRESSIONS & MORE www.ansambl.de/en/repertoire/konzerte/klingende-nachtphantasien/