Symphony Orchestra and Royal Ballet join forces in ode to Stravinsky

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet are collaborating for ‘The Soldier’s Tale’, featuring, from left, narrator Peter Hayden, dancer Leonora Voigtlander, and actor Sepelini Mua’Au, who plays the soldier

‘When Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale first opened in 1918, its tour was cut short by the outbreak of influenza.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Royal New Zealand Ballet will have their fingers crossed for a different outcome this year, as they present this classic tale of magic, desire, and being careful what you wish for.

Conducted by Hamish McKeich, directed by Sara Brodie, and choreographed by Shaun James Kelly, Setting Up Camp – The Soldier’s Tale opens in Kāpiti this week.

Based on a Russian folk tale, this pocket-sized theatre piece tells the story of the titular soldier who makes a deal with the Devil: in exchange for the soldier’s magic violin, the Devil will grant his every wish.’

Kate Green, 23 Feb 2021