Giselle
One of the greatest Romantic ballets, Giselle tells the poignant tale of a peasant girl with a gentle heart and a passion for dance. First love and a shocking revelation lead to a tour de force moment for the title character: Giselle’s mad scene. This magnificent production takes audiences on an unforgettable journey, from joyous celebrations in a Rhineland village to forest glade haunted by the ethereal spirits of maidens doomed to spend eternity dancing through the darkness, from the ultimate betrayal to tender forgiveness.
FEB 24–MAR 5
Single tickets on sale now
RUSH TICKETS
Looking for a last-minute deal? $29 tickets may be available for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday performances only. Use promo code LETSGO from noon to 6:30 pm on the day of the show. Limited seating in select sections.
CHOREOGRAPHER
Helgi Tomasson after Marius Petipa, Jules Perrot, and Jean Coralli
COMPOSER
Adolphe Adam, with additional music, orchestrations and arrangements by Friedrich Burgmüller, Ludwig Minkus, and Emil de Cou
Production
Helgi Tomasson
This program runs approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including one 20-minute intermission.
VIEW PROGRAM BOOK
Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design: Mikael Melbye
Assistant Lighting Designer: Lisa J. Pinkham
Assistant to the Choreographer: Lola de Avila
World Premiere (complete ballet): June 28, 1841—Paris Opera Ballet, Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique; Paris, France
San Francisco Ballet Premiere (Tomasson production): April 8, 1999—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Music: All music and orchestration by Adolphe Adam unless otherwise noted. Additionally orchestrated and arranged music printed for these performances: ACT I: Peasant Pas de Cinq: traditional interpretation of music by Friedrich Burgmüller; Ladies Variation: "Shepherd's Return" from 18 Etudes de Genre for piano solo, orchestrated by Emil de Cou; Giselle's Variation: traditional music attributed to Ludwig Minkus; ACT II: "Finale-allegro con moto" arranged and orchestrated by Emil de Cou. Cathedral Bells courtesy of San Francisco Opera. Costume Supervisor, Anna Watkins, London, England; Fabric Printing and Dyeing by Schultz & Wiremu; Hats and Headdresses by Mark Wheeler; Costumes constructed by Wallace & McMurray, Barbara Jane, John Sheward, Jane Johnson, Sue Smith, Roxy Cressy, Lal d'Abo; Additional costumes constructed by Andrea Riner; Tights Dyed by Amy Van Every. Boots by Pluma, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, and John Hiatt of Salt Lake City, Utah. Scenic construction and painting by San Francisco Ballet Carpentry and Scenic Departments. Borzoi Handler: Olivia Pellicer.