Kenneth MacMillan, English National Ballet - Song of the Earth (Gustav Mahler music),

Inspired by Mahler’s haunting song cycle Das Lied von der Erde, Kenneth MacMillan’s masterpiece brings music, poetry and choreography together to capture the fragility of life, and its constant renewal. Three central figures portray the bittersweet reality of love, loss, and mortality: a Woman, a Man and an enigmatic Messenger. First performed in 1965, Song of the Earth was a point of departure for MacMillan’s choreography, surprising and captivating audiences and critics. English National Ballet was honoured to add this revered MacMillan work to its repertoire and is delighted to be able to share it again with audiences across the world. Song of the Earth Choreography Kenneth MacMillan Music Gustav Mahler Designs Nicholas Georgiadis Lighting John B. Read Staging Grant Coyle Performance 11 October 2018 at the Palace Theatre Manchester English National Ballet Philharmonic Conductor Gavin Sutherland Guest Conductor Misato Tomita Leader Matthew Scrivener