Vienna replaces its ballet director

Vienna replaces its ballet director

Opera

norman lebrecht

October 24, 2023

Martin Schläpfer, who has headed the Staatsballet for three disappointing years, will leave at the end of his five-year term.

His replacement, a distinct upgrade, is to be the distinguished Italian prima ballerina Alessandra Ferri, it was announced today.

A former star at Covent Garden, ABT and La Scala, Ferri will also take charge of the Vienna State Opera’s ballet academy.

Not much else to cheer about in Vienna.

Comments

  • Sue Sonata Form says:

    This woman has been an absolutely outstanding artist. I have seen her fabulous ABT Juliet many times on YouTube. Sublime.

  • Micaela Bonetti says:

    Fantastica scelta: Alessandra Ferri è la grazia personificata!

  • Frank says:

    That Ferri used to be a great ballet performer doesn’t make her necessarily a great company leader or company choreographer. That job is about people skills and taking the long view.

  • WU says:

    His Swan Lake was nice – but what he did do Sleeping Beauty was horrific! Besides the company needs some serious SYNCHRO training and technical upgrades!

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