Northern Irish ballet dancer and a First Soloist with the Royal Ballet, London, Melissa Hamilton returns to her home stage of Belfast’s Grand Opera House for three performances only of a special Ballet Gala.
This extraordinary, once in a lifetime Gala will join internationally renowned ballet stars, emerging dance talent, and exceptional local artists. Exclusively commissioned and created by the Grand Opera House, the show promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Founded by Melissa and her husband Michael Christou, their production company, Hamilton Christou Productions, presents and produces outstanding live performances on some of the world’s pre-eminent stages.
Created by Melissa, originally from Dromore, the exciting programme for Belfast showcases excerpts from much-loved ballet classics such as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Giselle, amongst other favourites.
Melissa will be joined on stage by Lukas Brændsrød, First Soloist of the Royal Ballet Company, one of Melissa’s frequent on stage partners at the Royal Opera House; Principals Sangeun Lee, Gareth Haw and soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi from English National Ballet; Principal of Vienna State Ballet, Liudmila Konovalova, along with Martin Diaz and Hanna Park, Artists of The Royal Ballet.
Melissa Hamilton says, “I am beyond excited to return to Belfast and perform on the iconic stage of the Grand Opera House. It is an honour that together with Michael we can enliven the ballet world with fresh ideas while giving a platform to the stars of tomorrow. This performance will be like no other, with talent from around the world coming together to create something magical.”
Audiences will also experience innovative contemporary works, including a world premiere collaboration between Melissa, New English Ballet Theatre, and Northern Ireland Opera, alongside Ballet Ireland which makes their Grand Opera House debut.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, says, “Melissa and I met in 2019 when she was guest artist with Birmingham Royal Ballet which was performing at the Grand Opera House. We talked briefly then about Melissa staging a special showcase for her home audience, so we are thrilled that she and Michael have curated this unique event for us. Audiences will witness a breathtaking blend of globally acclaimed ballet stars, emerging talents, and remarkable local artists in a show not to be missed.”
Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala runs at the Grand Opera House, for three performances only, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October 2024. Ahead of the performance on Sunday 27 October, Melissa will deliver an on-stage ballet masterclass to aspiring young dancers from across Northern Ireland which offers participants the chance to learn from a world-renowned dancer.
