Coppelia – a Christmas treat for the whole family!

Starring the enchanting Marianela Nuñez + Vadim Muntagirov, the intricate choreography from 1954 by Ninette de Valois is set to Delibes’ delightful score.

“Originally created in 1870 by Arthur Saint-Léon, this comic ballet abounds in charm and mischief, a world away from The Sandman, the sinister short story by E.T.A. Hoffmann that inspired it. Founder of The Royal Ballet Ninette de Valois – herself a sparkling exponent of the leading role – introduced her version for the Company in 1954. Rich in colourful designs by Osbert Lancaster and effervescent music by Léo Delibes, her staging of this warm-hearted tale is a delight to revisit. The buoyant and deceptively intricate choreography and the layered characterizations, yielding both humour and pathos, offer a wealth of opportunity for the performers today.” Kevin O'Hare, CBE, Director of The Royal Ballet

Starring the enchanting Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov, the intricate choreography is set to Delibes’ delightful score and shows off the technical precision and comedic timing of the whole Company. Osbert Lancaster’s designs bring a colourful storybook world to life in this Christmas treat for the whole family.

“A simple story, a ravishing score, story-book … and a feast of dancing” (The Financial Times ★★★★★)

“A charming departure from Christmas ballet clichés... You’ll leave with a smile on your face.” (Time Out ★★★★)

Genre Ballet
Recording location Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Recording date 2019
TV Director Ross MacGibbon
Choreography by Ninette de Valois
Conductor Barry Wordsworth
Distribution SVOD Naxos Rights (Europe) Limited
Distribution TV Naxos Rights (Europe) Limited