P.I Tchaikovsky-The Nutcracker Ballet

"A magical new staging of the timeless classic"

Filmed in The Mariinsky Theatre St.Petersburg where it was first performed in 1892.
Following Decca's beautiful Swan Lake comes another outstanding production on DVD from the Mariinsky, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, yet a Nutcracker with a twist.
The 'adult' Nutcracker. Worlds away from the traditional and warm versions popular at Christmas, this unconventional production, reinterpreted by Russian emigre and world-renowned avant-garde artist Mikhail Shemiakin, is surreal and at times disturbing, making this DVD an unusual but essential part of any ballet lover's collection.
Shemiakin also designs the eye-catching costumes and startling staging.
Two of the Mariinsky's young stars, Leonid Sarafanov and Irina Golub, dance the main roles. Despite the startling aspects of this production, none of the spectacle and awe-inspiring quality of their dancing is lost.
Valery Gergiev conducts a complete and un-cut version of Tchaikovsky's popular and much-loved score.
Performers:

Masha - Irina Golub
Nutcracker Prince - Leonid Sarafanov
Nutcracker - Alexander Kulinikov
Rat Emperor - Vladimir Ponomarev
Rat Empress - Elena Bazhenova
Drosselmeyer - Anton Adasinsky

Artists of the Mariinsky (Kirov) Theatre Ballet
Students of the Academy of Russian Ballet
Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre
Conductor - Valery Gergiev