...........The Novosibirsk Opera Theatre and Orchestra continues, first on September 12 with a concert performing Sergei Prokofiev’s “Symphony No.1” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No.9”, the latter accompanied by chorus. And on September 13 the soaring and poignant opera “La Boh?me” will touch your heart, with its tale of young seamstress Mim? and poet Rodolfo.
...........For those who are fascinated by the dance arts, there are a number to choose from. For ballet, from Novosibirsk Ballet Theatre comes “La Bayad?re” on September 15, the drama of a bayad?re (temple dancer) Nikiya and her lover Solor, a noble warrior. One the 16th they will perform three one-act ballets: “Serenade” and “Who Cares?” by George Balanchine (the latter set to George Gershwin music) and “Whispers in the Dark” by Edwaard Liang. On the 17th and 18th they will perform Kyrill Siminov’s interpretation of “Cinderella” – a performance that won the National Golden Mask Award (2007) for Best Ballet Production.
...........Also not to be missed are the ballets by other theatres, such as a new version of “Swan Lake”, performed by Zurich Ballet from Switzerland on September 22 and 23 – one of the world’s most dynamic ballet companies. On September 25 and 26, the UK ’s Northern Ballet Theatre will perform “A Christmas Carol” – a ballet musical crafted from the original novel by Charles Dickens, and which families will enjoy together.

...........Vivacious latin dances are much enjoyed by the Thai audience and this year there are three to enjoy. On 19th September, the whole company of Nuevo Ballet Espa?ol, the Resident Company of The Theatre of Madrid, will perform “Sangre Flamenco”, choreographed by the charismatic flamenco duo Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez. The Kings of Salsa, from Cuba , will “Fiesta the Night Away” on September 28 and 29 - featuring street salsa together with Mambo, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha. On 12 October, Eighteen dancers and musicians from Estempas Portenas Dance Company, Argentina , will perform the sizzling “Tango Feeling”.
...........For contemporary dance lovers, there are two choices. The Netherlands Dance Theatre will perform “Whereabouts Unknown / Bella Figura” on October 22 and 23. “Whereabouts Unknown” reveals glimpses of the vast and complex layers of life while “Bella Figura” (“putting on a good face”) speaks of the sophisticated sensuality of adult relationships. On October 9, Cisne Negro (Black Swan) Dance Company from Brazil will show their exciting dance technique and style in four one-act contemporary dances.
...........There are more performances (!) but space is running out, so we will end with Bangkok’s 12th International Festival of Dance & Music’s Closing Night performance on October 24 - a classical concert performed by Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by living legend Zubin Mehta. The programme is: “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky and “Symphony No.1” by Gustav Mahler.
...........Bangkok’s 12th International Festival of Dance & Music is sponsored by Bangkok Bank, B Grimm, Dusit Thani Hotel, King Power Group, Post Publishing, Siam Cement Group, Thai Airways, Tourism Au
thority of Thailand and Toyota Motor Thailand. More details are available at www.bangkokfestivals.com.