Media Release
The National Ballet of Canada Tours to Ottawa with Giselle
Four Shows Only January 30 – February 1
Casting Announced
January 22, 2025… Hope Muir, Joan and Jerry Lozinski Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, today announced the company will return to National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa for its annual appearance January 30 – February 1, with Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle.
"I am delighted the company is returning to the NAC with one of the most touching works in the classical canon.” said Muir. “Giselle is a signature work for The National Ballet of Canada and a beautiful showcase for the depth of artistry of our dancers. I look forward to sharing this legacy work with our Ottawa audiences.”
One of classical ballet’s most exquisite works, Giselle has captivated audiences with its haunting story of love and forgiveness since the Paris premiere in 1841. The National Ballet has a long legacy with this beloved ballet, having performed Sir Peter Wright’s celebrated staging since 1970. Set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score, this quintessential Romantic ballet achieves heights of emotion and psychological drama and gives full expression to the redemptive power of love. The title role of Giselle, known as the ballerina’s Hamlet, is a touchstone for the world’s greatest dancers.
A sublime and foundational work, Giselle features Desmond Heeley’s hand-painted costumes and sets, with lighting by Gil Wechsler.
Casting
Giselle
Tirion Law (January 30 at 8:00 pm/February 1 at 1:30 pm)
Heather Ogden (January 31, February 1 at 8:00 pm)
Albrecht
Naoya Ebe (January 30 at 8:00 pm/February 1 at 1:30 pm)
Peng-Fei Jiang (January 31, February 1 at 8:00 pm)
Hilarion
Larkin Miller* (January 30 at 8:00 pm/February 1 at 1:30 pm)
Donald Thom (January 31, February 1 at 8:00 pm)
Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis
Koto Ishihara (January 30 at 8:00 pm/February 1 at 1:30 pm)
Jeannine Haller* (January 31, February 1 at 8:00 pm)
* Debut
All casting is subject to change.
– 30 –
Season Sponsor: BMO Financial Group
Giselle was produced as a memorial to the late William P. Walker and was made possible through the courtesy of many generous friends of the National Ballet.
Naoya Ebe is sponsored through Dancers First by Gretchen Ross.
Heather Ogden is sponsored through Dancers First by Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin.
Jeannine Haller is sponsored through Dancers First by Devida & Derek Smith.
The company’s Canadian tours are made possible with the generous support of The John and Margaret Bahen Fund of The National Ballet of Canada, Endowment Foundation.
The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport.
Tirion Law in Giselle. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
For more information, and interview opportunities, please contact:
Touchwood PR
Andréa Grau, Founder and Owner
Keira Hunt, Publicity and Promotions Manager
Chelsea Cabello, Senior Publicist
Press@touchwoodpr.com
The National Ballet of Canada
Catherine Chang, Associate Director of Communications & Content Strategy
Kate Dresser, Communications Manager
Media@national.ballet.ca