The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) brings renowned Canadian choreographer James Kudelka’s Vespers to life from November 1 to 3 at the National Arts Centre. Kudelka has created a role especially for iconic ballerina Evelyn Hart that showcases her dramatic qualities and wealth of talent. This new creation, which premiered in May 2017 in Winnipeg, is based on the music of Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers, 1610.

“The National Art Centre is my favourite theatre in the entire world! It's a major gift for me to be able to be back,” says Evelyn Hart. “I'm coming back more as an interpretive acting artist who moves, and it's lovely to have a choreographer who envisions a role with me at my age, and my experience.” 

Cathy Levy, Executive Producer of NAC Dance, is extremely excited that the ever-remarkable Evelyn Hart, truly one of Canada’s most treasured dance artists, is featured in this production. “The NAC holds a special place in Evelyn’s heart, and we can’t wait to have her back!” says Cathy.

This emotionally powerful ballet combines dramatic atmospheres with creative classical ballet technique, contemporary styles and perspectives on relationships, nature and the spiritual world. Claudio Monteverdi’s stunning score will be performed by the Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal (SMAM), accompanied by the National Arts Centre Orchestra under the baton of Ottawa-based conductor Andrew McAnerney. Andrew is the Artistic Director of the SMAM, and will be leading both the choir and the Orchestra at the same time.

Alive with vibrant character, colour and texture with all the richness of a renaissance painting, Vespers is performed November 1 to 3 in the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall at 8 p.m.