Dona Nobis Pacem

In the organizer's words:

"Dona Nobis Pacem" - give us peace. This title is important to me, even at the risk of seeming naïve, pathetic or even pretentious to some. I chose the title and the music before February 24.

In light of the rampant irreconcilability in our world, this thought provided an important stimulus for me to engage with Johann Sebastian Bach's multi-layered composition.

In my 50th season as artistic director, I see this creation as a great opportunity. It would be inconceivable for me to work on a ballet with the B minor Mass with a company other than my own.

Something like this is only possible with a familiar ensemble, as the dancers of my company are in a unique way.
John Neumeier


DEDICATED TO GÜNTER JENA

Music: Johann Sebastian Bach
Choreography, stage design, lighting and costumes*: John Neumeier
Photography and videography: Kiran West

Texts:
- Excerpts from the poem "De Profundis" by Jean Marc Bernard.
- The poem "The Shadow" by Günter Kunert
- Excerpt from "Imagine" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Supported by the Foundation for the Promotion of the Hamburg State Opera
*My personal thanks to Albert Kriemler (AKRIS) for his kind support - J.N.

2 hours 30 minutes | 1 intermission
1st part: 60 minutes, 2nd part: 60 minutes

WORLD PREMIERE:
Hamburg Ballet, State Opera, Hamburg, December 4, 2022.

ORIGINAL CAST:
ER: Aleix Martínez
Clergy: Xue Lin, Madoka Sugai, Jacopo Bellussi, Christopher Evans, Alexandr Trusch
SHE: Ida Praetorius
A widow: Anna Laudere
An officer: Edvin Revazov
The Shadow: Alessandro Frola
The Photographer: Lennard Giesenberg

GUEST PLAY:
2023 Baden-Baden