Daphnis and Chlo? / The Two Pigeons

An island paradise in ancient Greece: lost in their love for each other, Daphnis and Chlo? struggle against jealous rivals and marauding pirates to be together. Considered by many to be Maurice Ravel?s greatest orchestral score and with choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, Daphnis and Chlo? is one of the many great ballets from the outstanding legacy left by Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes.

Sir Frederick Ashton?s poignant Parisian idyll, The Two Pigeons, tells of a young man as he experiences frustration, excitement, love and loss. He flies the nest, leaving his fianc?e and falls in love with a wild, beautiful gypsy only to be pursued by her jealous lover. Realising what he has lost, he returns to his apartment in Paris and falls into the forgiving arms of his sweetheart.

?One of the choreographer?s tenderest and most poignant love stories? The Sunday Times

Created shortly after his hit comedy La Fille mal gard?e, Ashton's 1961 version of this romantic classic, The Two Pigeons features some of his best choreography. The closing reconciliation pas de deux is a true tear-jerker and a favourite gala piece worldwide as the lush romantic score by Andre Messager perfectly compliments the drama and emotion of the dance.