We know Estonia
8.3.2024 | Culture

The touching love story of a composer and writer now has a ballet

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos Rünno Lahesoo / Teater Vanemuine

The touching love story of a composer and writer now has a ballet

 

The ballet December Rain, dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Vanemuine Ballet, was inspired by the music of Frédéric Chopin. It tells the love story of the composer and the French writer George Sand.

Composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin’s life was shaped by his unwavering dedication to music, as well as an illness that plagued his later years. In the background, his romantic relationship with the female author who used the pseudonym George Sand, emerges as a recurring underlying theme.

“My mother told me about the beautiful and tragic love story of Chopin and Sand. I was deeply moved. I researched and read more about their lives, and it touched me so much that I decided to realise it on stage,” says Kristina Paulin, the writer and director of the ballet.

The story of the ballet does not follow the historical truth in all respects, but interprets moments from their lives. “I try to understand what these people might have felt during certain events, and with the help of imagination I colour their story,” adds Paulin.

You can read more about the December Rain ballet and its creator on the Vanemuine Theatre website  and buy a ticket at Piletilevi. The next performance is on March 9, with the final performance on May 18.

 

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Ballet Dance December Rain Kristina Paulin Tartu Vanemuine Ballet Vanemuine Theatre

7.2.2025 | Culture

Arvo Pärt Centre opens new exhibition for composer’s 90th birthday

Arvo Pärt Centre opens new exhibition for composer’s 90th birthday

On February 1, the Arvo Pärt Centre opened a new exhibition, “Tintinnabuli – A World on Music Paper,” that … Read more

6.2.2025 | Culture

Kyiv Grand Ballet to present Swan Lake

Kyiv Grand Ballet to present Swan Lake

Between February 6 and 9, the Kyiv Grand Ballet will perform Swan Lake, a timeless ballet by Pyotr Ilyich … Read more

5.2.2025 | Culture

Fotografiska’s newest exhibition explores the absurdity of everyday life

Fotografiska’s newest exhibition explores the absurdity of everyday life

The Chinese New Year has brought photographer Feng Li’s exhibition, White Nights in Wonderland, to Fotografiska in Tallinn. This … Read more

4.2.2025 | Culture

DocPoint Tallinn to premiere four new Estonian documentaries

DocPoint Tallinn to premiere four new Estonian documentaries

From February 4 to 9, the DocPoint Tallinn documentary film festival will present the premieres of four Estonian documentaries … Read more

4.2.2025 | Culture

Ukrainian artists bring abstract art to Tartu

Ukrainian artists bring abstract art to Tartu

The exhibition Abstract Reality will be held at Jakobi Galerii in Tartu from February 5 to March 7. This … Read more

3.2.2025 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

02.11.24–02.03.25 Ryoji Ikeda’s Solo exhibition, ERM, Tartu Japanese contemporary artist Ryoji Ikeda is known for blending science and music … Read more

1.2.2025 | Culture

PÖFF contributes €12 million to Estonia’s economy

PÖFF contributes €12 million to Estonia’s economy

The Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) has once again demonstrated its significant economic impact, generating nearly 12 million euros … Read more

31.1.2025 | Culture

Pärnu Music Festival announces its anniversary programme

Pärnu Music Festival announces its anniversary programme

The Pärnu Music Festival, which has been ranked among the best classical music festivals in Europe for two years … Read more