Nowadays, joining the circus isn’t an easy alternative to “running away from home” (or so that’s what Hollywood thinks). Putting on a clown nose doesn’t make you a clown, and putting white make-up on you does not automatically make you a mime. Last Friday and Saturday, theatre-goers had the opportunity to witness the astounding Cirque de la Symphonie. With conductor Mélanie Léonard, the members of Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) and six talented artists, it was an unforgettable afternoon!
Cirque de la Symphonie has been around for a while now; since I missed my chance to watch Cirque du Soleil, I told myself that I would not miss an opportunity to watch the world’s best cirque artists! Even before the show began, I entered the Jack Singer Hall filled with excited kids, teenagers and even adults. Around the main lobby the audience members were presented with a magician, a singing guitar and accordion duet, a human statue and a psychic. I was pumped up and even more anxious to watch the show!
After the entertainment from the pre-show artists, I went to take my seat and was presented with the wonderful song of the Carnival Overture by Dvořák. As usual, the orchestra’s performance got a hold over my heart. The music flowed perfectly and over the course of the show emotions washed over me. I was enjoying myself and it was simply the opening music act!
Afterward, Christine Van Loo (she was a Female Olympic Athlete of the Year!), a professional aerialist and acrobat, entered on stage. She was able to do some incredible moves with fabric to Khachaturian’s Dance of Ayshe from Gayaneh. My favorite move was when she wrapped herself up, and in time with the music, she unraveled with ease! It was a scary, yet exciting moment to witness. I was amazed at how well the acrobats synced with the music–it’s really tough work that they’re doing!
When she left, a mime clad in red waddled on. It was clear to the audience that he was the Joker in the show, but to my surprise he was a juggler! And a wonderful crowd-pleaser, go figure. He was able to juggle up about six or seven rings–their glowing colors danced against the black background. He also “dropped” the ring and was able to kick it back up in the air! It was so astounding I couldn’t help myself from squealing in excitement. Later in the show, he helped Elena Tsarkova, a beautiful contortionist, perform a magic act with one of CPO’s cellists as their victim; I mean, volunteer! He humored the audience with his exaggerated infatuation towards the “Lady in White,” and at one point the cellist attempted to kiss her. I won’t spoil the magic act, but it involved ropes and the lady swiping an article of clothing from the cellist.
Later in the show, Aloysia Gavre was dressed in a beautiful gypsy outfit. She did some amazing tricks with just a hula hoop! One of her most impressive moves was holding her entire weight with just her legs–it received a lot of applause from the audience.
After the intermission (which I decided to stay in my seat to avoid the crowd in the lobby), we were presented with a beautiful and classic piece by Tchaikovsky. Dance of the Swans from Swan Lake was very moving and prepared us for another act by one of the aerialists; with simply a rope to work with, the performer was able to time her movements with one of my favorite classical movements, Danse macabre, Op. 40 by Saint- Saëns. Her moves are indescribable (and you can find her act on YouTube, but I highly suggest to watch the show instead) but I can tell you that they were definitely beautiful and jaw-dropping.
Another great performer was aerialist Alexander Streltsov. Before his performance with fabric, he was able to spin a cube like it was nothing! He was also able to hop into it and spin it around his body. Oh, and he helped the aerialist’s rope act by holding the end of the rope and whipping it around in a circle. His natural strength amused us all. Anyway, Streltsov’s fabric performance was simply unique; the climax of it was flying across the stage like a bird.
Before the final act, the audience was presented with Williams’ Across the Stars from the ever-so-famous Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones. It was obvious that something super cool was going to happen, and we couldn’t wait! While the audience was able to sit back and listen to the music, Jarek and Darek was preparing for their act. As Ravel’s Bolero echoed in the music hall, Jaroslaw Marciniak and Dariusz Wronksi did some really crazy hand-balancing! I really don’t want to spoil it… but I leave you with this picture to replace any words to describe their performance.
March 19 was an unforgettable day. It was filled with lovely classical music, astounding performances and lots of fun! I haven’t been to a lot of concerts by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, but I can definitely say to watch out for the specials that they have to offer. Each year is different, and each concert holds exciting and unique features! If you ever have time, save your money and see the CPO instead of movies. You can always rent the DVD for them, whereas live-action music and performances can never be replaced by a high-quality camera.
If Cirque du Soleil or Cirque de la Symphonie ever come to Calgary again, I highly suggest that you go see them! It’s worth your time, and I guarantee that you won’t stop talking about it for weeks. The CPO will never cease to amaze me with their skills, dedication and creativity. Thanks again to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for their generous donation to let me see the show. I will never forget it and will continue to find concerts that peak my interest! Visit their website to see what shows you can catch, and sulk over the ones that you missed.