Programme details announced for Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala

Following the launch of Hamilton Christou Productions, star of The Royal Ballet, Melissa Hamilton, and renowned businessman, Michael Christou, are thrilled to announce programme details for the company’s first UK performances at Belfast’s Grand Opera House on the 26 & 27 October.

For Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala, Hamilton Christou Productions will bring together internationally renowned ballet stars, emerging dance talent, and exceptional local artists in an unmissable showcase of ballet and dance performed on Melissa Hamilton’s ‘home stage’.

The programme features the world premiere of a new work choreographed by The Royal Ballet’s Valentino Zucchetti. Performed by Melissa Hamilton and Jose Alves and Jerome Anthony Barnes from New English Ballet Theatre, where Melissa is an Artistic Patron.

This new creation is set to two of Richard Strauss’s expressive and poignant Four Last Songs, in a collaboration with Northern Ireland Opera featuring Northern Irish soprano Mary McCabe, fresh from her debut at the Grand Opera House in September 2024 for Northern Ireland Opera as Tatyana in Eugene Onégin.

Ireland’s national dance company, Ballet Ireland, will present Filipe Portugal’s All That Remains. Performed by eight dancers and set to music by Ezio Bosso, this neo-classical work is a reflection on the present moment, the connections we create between us, and what remains with us.

Alongside this will be performances of much-loved ballet classics and innovative contemporary works by leading dancers from all four nations of the UK. Joining Melissa on stage will beReece Clarke, Principal of The Royal Ballet, Principals of English National Ballet, Sangeun Lee and newly promoted Gareth Haw, Principal of Vienna State Ballet, Liudmila Konovalova, and Martin Diaz and Bethany Barlett, Artists of The Royal Ballet.

Repertoire for the Gala includes Sir Frederick Ashton’s rarely performed Awakening pas de deux from The Sleeping Beauty, by Melissa Hamilton and Reece Clarke, Giselle Act II, White Swan Adagio, Raymonda Act III Wedding pas de deux, and Lightness of Being created on Melissa by Craig Davidson.

Further casting and repertoire to be announced soon.

Ahead of the performance on Sunday 27 October, Melissa Hamilton will deliver an on-stage ballet masterclass to aspiring young dancers. This unique opportunity offers the chance to learn from a world-renowned dancer from Northern Ireland, which to date doesn’t have any accredited ballet schools, all while experiencing the excitement of dancing on the prestigious Grand Opera House stage. This masterclass is open to all aged 13+, but some previous dance experience is recommended to fully enjoy the class. 

Of the upcoming performances, Melissa Hamilton said: “To have the opportunity to bring world-class ballet and dance to my home stage in Belfast and celebrate where my passion for ballet began is an honour. I am thrilled that so many exceptional artists and companies will be joining us for what I hope will be an entertaining and inspirational show for audiences across Northern Ireland.”

Michael Christou added: “I am delighted to share Hamilton Christou Production’s inaugural UK performances with audiences in Northern Ireland. Through creative partnerships in both the business and creative worlds we have programmed an outstanding cultural experience that adds to Northern Ireland’s rich cultural sector.”

Founded by the husband-and-wife duo to create an inclusive global community of ballet and dance enthusiasts, Hamilton Christou Productions brings the business and ballet worlds together to present and produce outstanding live performances on some of the world’s preeminent stages. Working in collaboration with dancers, choreographers, and investors, its productions will be enhanced with the best creative minds of our time. 

Repertoire and casting are subject to change. Please see www.goh.co.uk for up-to-date information.

Melissa Hamilton Grand Ballet Gala, Image credit Hamilton Christou Productions