A coreography by Antonio Ruz that connects with our tradition

The production La nit de Sant Joan (Soirées de Barcelone), the second ballet of composer Robert Gerhard (1896-1970), with scenography by Joan Junyer and storyline by Ventura Gassol, would not be performed in 1939 due to the vicissitudes of the Spanish Civil War. The work was created because of the madness for dance that erupted at the beginning of the 20th century, with the backdrop of the European image of an exotic Spain and the great success that Manuel de Falla had in this field.

Inspired by the mythical night of the summer solstice – nit de Sant Joan – and the celebrations with fire from the Catalan Pyrenees, the music is modern, yet with a folk feeling, evoking melodies from our folklore, where the frenetic beats describe torch dances, the parade of magical figures and the erotic movements of couples who, in intimate union, end up marrying at dawn.  

Antonio Ruz wanted – symbolically and creatively – to permeate the choreography with features that connect us to our traditions, such as the symbolism of fire, the sardana dance, castells and mythical bestiary. 

LOEWE FUNDACIÓN
Patron of the Dance Circle 

Recommended for ages 10 and up

Before attending the show

Liceu+   Educational Activities

Coproduction with

Part of the collaboration between the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Barcelona Provincial Authority which aims to foster the participation and artistic promotion of young dancers of both sexes

Organized through cooperation between the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Fundació Ferrer-Salat and the Fundació Conservatori del Liceu, which aims to foster the participation of young musicians and creative artists from the Centre Superior de Música, Fundació Conservatori del Liceu.