CULTURAL Chronicles

Common Ground International, in collaboration with US nonprofit organization, the Arts & Science Achievement Foundation and with the support of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, launched the international cultural project, Common Ground in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The main purpose of the event is to bring culturally significant international acts to the GCC.

This project, part of Spring of Culture, began with performances by the Imperial Russian Ballet of world-renowned ballet masterpieces, the iconic Swan Lake on March 2nd and 3rd, and enchanting familyfriendly Sleeping Beauty: Aurora’s Wedding on March 4th at the Grand Hall Stage at the new Exhibition World Bahrain, will be the frst out of many planned for the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC region in 2023. The performance of the troupe, consisting of almost 200 outstanding performers, was accompanied by the Svetoslav Richter Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the world renowned Maestro Pavel Alexei Lavrentev. The ballet, Sleeping Beauty: Aurora’s Wedding was not only a wonderful way to introduce children to the enchanting world of ballet through the beloved fairytale, but also a unique experience for the audience before experiencing the enchanting ballet in the second act as during the frst part of the performance an open orchestra master class was held. The Imperial Russian Ballet’s artistic director, Gediminas Taranda, along with soloists, demonstrated the different positions and exercises in a dancer’s arsenal which are performed every day. Translated by Common

Ground Co-Founder, Dr. Anna Artsibasheva, who joined Maestro Conductor Alexei Lavrentiev, along with the extremely talented musicians of the Svyatoslav Richter Orchestra, to demonstrate how instruments from the same musical family each have their own sound.

These magnifcent shows, held for the frst time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, have left both ballet lovers and frst timers with a piece if their own “happily ever after” to take home. Working in unison with the Svyatoslav Richter Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Alexei Lavrentiev, IRB’s artistic director Gediminas Taranda presented the Kingdom of Bahrain with a truly spectacular demonstration of the Imperial Russian Ballet style. The project organizers, who have been working tirelessly with the BTEA and EWB to realize this project, were excited to see the reaction of the residents and guests of the Kingdom.

“We are truly elated to see the reaction of the audience,” said Artisbasheva. “But it comes as no surprise as who could resist falling love with the perfect unity of music and motion that is ballet? Where every emotion-every passion – is translated without words through the wave of a delicate hand to the high leap of the dancer. Ballet is the international language of emotions. And that is the reason we created the Cultural project, Common Ground – to bring together people of various cultures and backgrounds, and through music, dance and art, showcase the strings that connect us all. We are already planning and looking forward to our next project, the Incredible Magic Show of the Brothers Safronov, who are coming to Bahrain after the Holy Ramadan!” springofculture.org

This three brothers, nicknamed “The Russian Copperfelds” will be an exciting and great way to spend a magical time with friends and family.