‘The sexiest thing I’ve seen on stage for some time’
Luke Jennings – The Observer

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Watch an interview with Carlos Acosta here

At MIF 2007, Carlos Acosta thrilled packed houses at The Lowry with a series of breathtaking performances. Two years later, the greatest male ballet dancer of his generation returns to the city, joined by the BBC Philharmonic, solo cellist Natalie Clein and dancers Daria Klimentova, Begoña Cao, Anais Chalendard and Junor de Oliveira Souza in an exclusive programme of works both classic and modern.

Following in the footsteps of such giants as Nijinsky and Nureyev, Acosta will be exploring the nature of the male muse in classical ballet. The programme includes Balanchine’s classic Apollo and Robbins’ A Suite of Dances, the latter never before performed by Acosta in public. And there’ll also be a brand new work entitled Young Apollo, specially commissioned with Salford City Council from rising-star choreographer Adam Hougland. Book early: Acosta’s 2007 shows were near-instant sell-outs.

Afternoon of a Faun
Choreography: Jerome Robbins
Music: Claude Debussy
Dancers: Carlos Acosta and Begoña Cao
BBC Philharmonic, conducted by André de Ridder

Young Apollo
Choreography: Adam Houghland
Music: Benjamin Britten
Dancers: Anais Chalendard and Junor de Oliveira Souza
BBC Philharmonic and solo piano, Jonathan Scott. Conducted by André de Ridder

A Suite of Dances
Choreography: Jerome Robbins
Music: JS Bach
Dancer: Carlos Acosta
Solo cello: Natalie Clein

Apollo
Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Dancers: Carlos Acosta, Daria Klimentova, Begoña Cao and Anais Chalendard
BBC Philharmonic, conducted by André de Ridder

Photo © Angela Taylor

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Salford City Council and Sadler’s Wells.
Produced by Manchester International Festival and Como No.