Summary

Pianist conductor, composer, Thomas Adès is the subject of the second in Sadler’s Wells’ Composer Series. In this epic new Sadler’s Wells programme, See the Music, Hear the Dance, Adès conducts his only London appearances in 2014, featuring four dance works – including two world premieres – set to some of his most celebrated music and played live by Britten Sinfonia.

The evening begins with the beautiful Outlier, choreographed by Associate Artist Wayne McGregor to Adès’ violin concerto Concentric Paths played by Thomas Gould. A European premiere, the piece was originally created for the New York City Ballet, and it re-mounted for the extraordinarily talented dancers of Wayne McGregor | Random Dance.

Karole Armitage is renowned for pushing boundaries to create contemporary work that blends dance, music and art. She presents her exquisite duet Life Story set to Adès’ work based on words by Tennessee Williams. Performed by two dancers of her New York-based Armitage Gone! Dance Company, the piece features British soprano Claire Booth, with Adès on piano.

New Wave Associate Alexander Whitley presents the world premiers of The Grit in the Oyster. Whitley’s sensuous and intricately detailed choreography sets a trio of dancers against the absorbing Piano Quartet, exploring ideas of obsession and transformation with Adès on piano. The evening culminates in a world premiere, choreographed by Crystal Pite in response to Adès’ vast and formidable Polaris. Pite choreographs a cast of 60 dancers in the spiraling structures inspired by Adès’ creation: a turbulent voyage for dancers and musicians alike.