London City Ballet & L'Orchestre national de Cannes

Artistic Director: Christopher Marney Conductor: Alice Farnham Revived in 2023 under British artistic director Christopher Marney, the London City Ballet is experiencing a true renaissance. This ambitious program brings together the company’s dancers in two works where classical tradition meets the present. John Neumeier presents a slightly condensed version of Ghost Light, originally created in 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic for Hamburg Ballet. On a bare stage, a single bulb atop a stand represents the theater’s ever-watchful “ghost light,” keeping vigil over a series of exquisite pas de deux, framed by impromptu piano interludes by Schubert and the ghostly presence of a ballerina in a long white tutu. This is a moving homage to dance and its performers, whose presence haunts the stage forever. The evening concludes with a bold revival of The Firebird, reimagined by American choreographer Glen Tetley in 1981 for the Royal Danish Ballet, set to Stravinsky’s score. This performance celebrates the centenary of Tetley’s birth and closes the festival in spectacular fashion. Ghost Light Created 2020 for Hamburg Ballet, recreated 2026 for London City Ballet Piece for 14 performers Choreography: John Neumeier Music: Franz Schubert, piano by Reina Okada The Firebird Created 1981 for Royal Danish Ballet, recreated 2026 for London City Ballet Piece for 15 performers Choreography: Glen Tetley Music: Igor Stravinsky MASTER CLASS Saturday 5 December – Palais des Festivals – 11am to 1pm Christopher Marney, Artistic Director of the London City Ballet, will share his expertise to help you refine your classical technique. Open to intermediate and advanced dancers. Registration required – limited places – €20 per master class Enquiries: Julie Parisse - 04 92 99 33 78 - parisse@palaisdesfestivals.com WARM-UP AT THE BARRE Sunday 6 December - La Roseraie, Cannes - 11am to 12pm Free entry, subject to availability.