Program Notes
A World in Harmony is Vinok’s new production for symphony orchestras. Unlike other productions that are set, Vinok’s artistic team works with each symphony orchestra to best meet your artistic and marketing ideas. As long as we can accommodate costume changes, the program can take a variety of forms from a full evening of Vinok numbers to a lively combination of dance and famous symphonic works by world composers.
Red Deer Symphony Music Director Claude Lapalme has arranged a number of Vinok’s audience favourites for a 60 piece orchestra, including Chinese, Hasidic, Bulgarian, Romanian, Hungarian, Bavarian and Appalachian Clogging choreography. We also have musical pieces featuring Vinok’s own orchestra including Ukrainian and Canadian repertoire.
Mr. Lapalme is available as a guest conductor of this exciting show which features a number of unique styles and rhythms, including the Bulgarian Kopanitsa in 11/16 time. Your orchestra is provided with the scores for the rehearsals and performance, and Vinok’s dancers and musicians are happy to work with you to make this show exciting and energetic. We suggest an orchestral and dress rehearsal (which could be open to students or sponsors) for a total of two rehearsals but we are happy to work with whatever best suits your organization. Vinok can also provide materials to accompany educational performances.
ABOUT
Sample Program
(Performed with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in October, 2015)
BIZET
Danse bohème (Carmen) (5’)*
TRADITIONAL: VINOK
Bulgarian Dances from Shopluk (5’)*
FREEDMAN
Oiseaux exotiques: Selections (7’)*
VARGAS, FUENTES & ALONSO: VINOK
VINOK: Mexican Dances from Jalisco (5’)*
LECUONA
Andalucia (3’)*
HUANG
Sabei Dance (4’)*
TRADITIONAL: VINOK
Chinese Ribbon Dance (7’)*
INTERMISSION
GRATTON (Arranged by Lapalme)
Quatrième Danse Canadienne (4’)*
TRADITIONAL: VINOK
Hassidic Jewish Dances (10’)*
TRADITIONAL: VINOK
Arkan - Ukrainian Hutsul’ Piece (3’)*
GRIEG (Orchestrated by Hans Sitt)
Norwegian Dance No. 2 in A major, Opus 35 No. 2 (3’)*
DVORÁK
Slavonic Dance in G minor, Opus 46 No. 8 (3’)*
TRADITIONAL: VINOK
Romanian Dances from Muntenia (9’)*
SMETANA
The Bartered Bride: Dance of the Comedians (5’)*
*Indicates approximate performance duration.
Program Notes
“Bulgarian Dances from Shopluk”
Choreography: Leanne Koziak & Doyle Marko
The region of Shopluk, located in western Bulgaria, surrounds the nation's capital of Sofia. Based on the dances of this area, this suite is characterized by quick footwork and a shaking movement of the body called "Natrissane". Bulgarian music is very unique and this features two distinct dance forms – Graovsko Horo and Kopanitsa, a dance in 11/16 time signature.
“Mexican Dances from Jalisco”
Choreography: Fernando Delgadillo
Music: Silvestre Vargas, Rubén Fuentes & Felipe Alonso
The most famous dances and Mariachi music of Mexico are from the region of Jalisco, whose capital is Guadalajara. The dances of Jalisco all center on courtship as the men and women flirt and vie for the other’s attention. There are three dances in this suite: El Jabalí (The Boar), La Negra (the Dark One) and the famous Jarabe Tapatio, more commonly known as the Mexican Hat Dance. Jarabemeans “sweet syrup” suggesting the sensuality and joy expressed by the dancers.
“The Ribbon Dance”
Choreography: Duong Binh Huy
The red silk ribbons are symbols of good luck in China. Therefore, according to Chinese tradition, they are the most appropriate décor for wedding feasts and New Year celebrations. The ribbon dance features long, colourful silk ribbons forming diversified patterns and colours with graceful movements symbolic of a happy, lucky and beautiful future.
Hasidic Jewish Dances
Choreography: Ilan Zaoui
This suite of dances was inspired by the Hasidic Tradition, an Orthodox Jewish movement born at the end of the 17th Century that spread throughout Eastern Europe. Although influenced by other folk cultures, the persecutions that resulted from their religious beliefs kept their dances, music and song unique and distinct from the regions in which they settled. Vinok's choreography demonstrates the fervency and religious enthusiasm of these people. The women wear white and bring in candles in preparation for the Sabbath and the men wear prayer shawls under their vests as a sign of their devotion.
Arkan – Ukrainian Musical Interlude
The Arkan is a very old dance from the Hutsul’ people who live in the Carpathian Mountains. Traditionally it was danced by men and often around a bonfire late at night.
Romanian dances from Muntenia
Choreography: Viorel Vatamaniuc
Adapted by: Doyle Marko & Leanne Koziak
The area of Muntenia is rich with a variety of dances and rhythms – with much syncopation and unusual accents. This suite of dances begins with a musical feature called the Doina, which allows the musicians an opportunity to improvise, expressing their feelings. The choreography includes variations of the Hora, Ca La Breaza, Brîul pe Şase, Floricica and Brîul pe Opt.