SETTING UP CAMP – THE SOLDIER'S TALE

UPDATE 28 February 2021
Due to the latest Alert Level changes across Aotearoa New Zealand, performances of The Soldier's Tale in Wanaka, Dunedin, Oamaru and Ashburton have been postponed. At this stage Christchurch and Nelson performances will still go ahead.

Visit the NZSO COVID-19 updates page from more information. 

Hamish McKeich Conductor 

Dancers of Royal New Zealand Ballet 
Sara Brodie Director
Shaun James Kelly Royal New Zealand Ballet Choreographer in Residence

Stravinsky The Soldier's Tale

in association with 

The NZSO is delighted to open the 2021 season with Stravinsky’s well-loved pocket-sized theatre piece, The Soldier’s Tale, in association with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Composed in 1918, its first tour was cut short by the Spanish flu but it has remained a popular work ever since.

Written “to be read, played and danced”, The Soldier’s Tale tells the story of the titular Soldier who makes a deal with the Devil: in exchange for the Soldier’s magic violin, the Devil will grant his every wish. This work is based on a Russian folk tale, was co-created with Swiss writer C.F. Ramuz, and gave Stravinsky the chance to include all of his favourite musical influences. You’ll hear tango, waltz, ragtime, klezmer, church chorales, and the paso doble all brought together in Stravinsky’s intoxicating score.