LA NIT DE SANT JOAN

BY ANTONIO RUZ

The production La nit de Sant Joan (Soirées de Barcelone), the second ballet of composer Robert Gerhard (1896-1970), with scenography by Joan Junyer and storyline by Ventura Gassol, would not be performed in 1939 due to the vicissitudes of the Spanish Civil War. The work was created because of the madness for dance that erupted at the beginning of the 20th century, with the backdrop of the European image of an exotic Spain and the great success that Manuel de Falla had in this field. Inspired by the mythical night of the summer solstice – nit de Sant Joan – and the celebrations with fire from the Catalan Pyrenees, the music is modern, yet with a folk feeling, evoking melodies from our folklore, where the frenetic beats describe torch dances, the parade of magical figures and the erotic movements of couples who, in intimate union, end up marrying at dawn.

Antonio Ruz wanted – symbolically and creatively – to permeate the choreography with features that connect us to our traditions, such as the symbolism of fire, the sardana dance, castells and mythical bestiary.

Robert Gerhard

Music

Joan Junyer

Set design

Ventura Gassol

Storyline

Antonio Ruz

Director and choreographer

Miguel Baselga

Coordination and musical advisor

Gran Teatre del Liceu y Fundación Juan March

Production

Dancers Beatriz Cubero, Raúl Melcón, Joel Mesa, Alexa Moya, Maria Quero, Carlos Roncero, Anna Sagrera, Ariadna Saltó, Aaron Vázquez

Piano Valeria Blasco, Carlos Bujosa, Clara Santacana

FEBRUARY 2024

Saturday 17 11 h From 10 to 20 €

Sunday 18 11 h From 10 to 20 €

Approximate running time: 1 h 10 min