During this month and next, audiences can take a trip around the globe without leaving the Fox Theatre as the Delta International Series presents three world-class acts from Russia, South Africa and Germany.
The first to grace the boards is the Moscow Festival Ballet, performing the classical ballet Coppélia on Feb. 22. Based on two stories written by E.T.A. Hoffman, whose work also inspired The Nutcracker, Coppélia tells the humorous story of a misguided village boy and the life-sized (but lifeless) dancing doll he loves. Founded by legendary Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival Ballet is an international touring company that specializes in performing full-length 20th century and newly commissioned works within the framework of the classical Russian ballet style that made the Bolshoi and Kirov ballet companies so famous.
On Feb. 25, thrill to the sounds of the Soweto Gospel Choir. The choir has performed with artists such as Bono, Jimmy Cliff, Queen, Peter Gabriel and the Eurythmics, and won many prestigious music awards, including three Grammys. Performing both traditional and contemporary music, the choir performs in six of South Africa’s 11 official languages and is accompanied by a percussion section and a four-piece band.
Experience the glamourous musical world of 1920s and 1930s Germany with Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester on March 7. Raabe’s versatile baritone voice ranges from operatic to swinging as he breathes new, modern life into the complex, often funny, and powerful “German chansons” of the turbulent Weimar republic and classic American standards. A 12-member band accompanies him.
Expand your cultural experience by coming early and enjoying a pre-show workshop offered by the Fox Theatre, in conjunction with the Delta International Series. Each educational workshop begins at 7:05 p.m. Coppélia audiences can learn some dance steps from Good Moves Dance Company and previewing some of the Act II dances. Denise White, choral director of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, will teach Soweto Gospel Choir audiences about the history of gospel singing and lead them through a vocal warm-up. Prior to the Max Raabe show, audiences can learn more about the music of the 1920s and 1930s from a local musician.
