What's OnAgon

Agon 1957

Choreographer George Balanchine
Music - Igor Stravinky

Agon (from the Greek meaning ‘contest’) is the third of the three ‘Greek’ ballets by Stravinsky and Balanchine, and is widely regarded as the quintessential collaboration of neo-classicism between these two iconic figures of the 20th Century. Responding to Stravinsky's daring reinvestigation of 17th century French court music, Balanchine plays with the classical vocabulary, pushing it to the edge of technical and expressive possibilities. The result is an explosive showcase of dance full of sensual tension and electrifying geometrically challenging structures.

Stravinsky took his inspiration for Agon, his first foray into serialist composition, from the composers of the 2nd Viennese School amongst whom was composer Anton Webern. He also introduced Balanchine to the music of Webern, which in turn, provided the choreographer’s inspiration for Episodes, performed by Scottish Ballet at last year’s Edinburgh International Festival. It’s a fascinating journey, which yielded some of the greatest dance works ever made

The Company is out to impress – and it does in spades
The Herald (On Scottish Ballet Dances Balanchine)

Scottish Ballet has proved it can dance with the very best of them
The Mail on Sunday (On Scottish Ballet Dances Balanchine)