Intimissimi on ice OPERA POP - H-art

“Intimissimi on ice OPERA POP”: ice has never been
so hot.
“Intimissimi on ice OPERAPOP”, a unique show, featuring the top world figure skating stars accompanied
by international classical and pop music stars will begin on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2014,
from 9:00 pm at the Arena di Verona.
Milan 16 September 2014: The battle between darkness and light, between the coldness of ice and the
fire of emotions, gives rise to the dreamlike beauty of Intimissimi on ice OPERAPOP.
Opera, pop concert, show on ice,
as well a fashion alliance with costumes created ad hoc for this unforgettable occasion. For the first time, the Roman amphitheatre that has become the Arena di Verona
will host and combine all three genres, enhancing their artistic aspects. Intimissimi on ice OPERAPOP
featuring world champion figure skaters, music stars, costumes never seen before and dazzling special
effects. Creating the right balance between skating, opera and pop, this is the real challenge. The aim is
to make it the biggest show ever staged at the Arena.
It is an Italian show concept devised to tour the world and take it where the greatest figure skating
enthusiasts are: Japan, Russia, Korea, Uzbekistan… 83 minutes of show thought up as a fairy tale, with
courtships in an icy landscape and love in a world of passions where the ice breaks and then melts, in
one of the most romantic cities in the world, Verona.
An empty rink will await the entrance of the audience into the Arena: but only so that it may be
transformed into a lake and then a waterfall, while the atmosphere will change from cold, to snow and
1 wind. The arena will turn to ice, then into an iceberg, lit up by the fiery tails of meteorites with flaming
dances and finally will give way to flashes of light, creating multicoloured flares and diamond-like
reverberations. Atmospheres created to celebrate the spring of sensuality, in a duet between dancing
bodies, suspended between dream and reality. Two acts and five worlds: the world of ice, the power of
dreams, the fire of the soul, the garden of delights and the final celebration.
The concept In the unique setting of the Arena di Verona, a new original musical format will be born and, thanks to
the perfect mash-up between opera and pop music, ice-skating, dance, fashion, design and technology,
will give rise to an extraordinary operation, bound to become a totally new way of presenting skating and
opera.
The poetic and narrative heart of the project is the constant contrast that exists between human warmth
and the coldness of ice
Darkness and isolation succumb to the luminous power of the love which shows itself with the force of
fire and light. A match is created, a couple is born. Woman seeks man and man seeks woman. It is the
spring of sensuality, in a dance between suspended bodies, while nature cautiously observes it as a
deceptively supportive onlooker, in a union between dream and reality. Two acts and five worlds: the
world of ice, the power of dreams, the fire of the soul, the garden of delights and the celebration.
The unforgettable experience of a gala on ice created using special effects, with stars from the sports and
music worlds united by the allure of a historical setting. All this results in a poetical international show
with a high visual impact, that will be bound to amaze every generation, drawing inspiration from the
success of one of the most beautiful galas on ice, Opera on Ice, designed and produced by Giulia Mancini.
Thanks to the modern direction by Francisco Negrin: chosen by the visionary creativity of Marco Balich
because of his use of innovative techniques and projections.
The stars
The stars on the ice will be undisputed figure skating champions at world level: including veritable stars
like Carolina Kostner, bronze medallist at the Sochi 2014 Olympics and 2012 World Champion. But also
Stéphane Lambiel, the “Little Prince” and the greatest Swiss figure skating talent, gold medallist at the
2005 and 2006 World Championships, and Olympic silver medallist at the 2006 Turin Olympics. Some of
the most famous pairs of skaters will be taking part too, namely Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte, gold
medallists at both the 2014 Saitama World Championships, and the European Championships in
Budapest; Qing Pang & Jian Tong, born in China, silver Olympic medallists in 2010 and in 2006, bronze
medallists at the 2011 World Championships in Moscow and World Champions in 2010; and then Fiona
Zaldua & Dimitry Sukhanov, professional adagio pair skaters who have starred in some of the most
famous world shows. Lastly, the cast also includes the very excellent Italian synchronised skating team,
Hot Shivers, unchallenged Italian champions since 1995 who are tenth in the world ratings. The team
comprises 16 athletes skating in unison and harmony to show this recent American discipline.
A show between tradition and modernity
Talent and creativity will go on stage in one of the holy temples of bel canto, directed by the modern
director Francisco Negrin, to pay tribute to the artists of ice. The artistic project will consist in the
extraordinary performance of the world ice skating champions, in the seduction of bodies finely
redesigned by Ali Mahdavi and inspired by the sensuality of the Intimissimi world, in the choreographies
of Nathan Clarke emphasized by the original compositions of the great John Metcalfe, who reinterpreted
famous pop songs with a symphonic arrangement giving life to a unique music project. Spectacular stage
effects, sketched by the pencil of the great Micheal Curry in collaboration with Giò Forma, will give a new
shape to the ice track which will involve the audience in the show and facilitate the performers’ wonderful
manoeuvres without interrupting the story. A magnificent multimedia show between tradition and
contemporaneity, where the video projections by Kate Dawkins will tell the warmth of the bodies on ice
and the emotions coming out of fire. Between lights and shades by the light designer Bruno Poet, in a
2 starry night, incandescent meteorites will witness the rebirth of spring, lighted by the effervescence of a
colourful surprise ending and embellished by the outstanding performance of international pop stars.
SPECIAL GUEST
20 /21 September, In the two evenings nominated for the MTV awards for the best choreography, the
former marine who has climbed the charts with her pop single, and describes herself as a pop creator and
inventor, twenty-five year-old Kiesza, who will perform on both dates, could not but be there,
20 September, Giorgia, one of the best singing voices on the world scene, will make the opening night
even more memorable.
21 September, another gift for the audience in the Arena, loved by the public all over the world, the great
pop queen Anastacia.
The artistic team
Marco Balich, the creative brains and beating heart behind Opera on Ice: winner of an Emmy Award, one
of the leading professionals at world level for creation and production of Olympic Ceremonies, with over
twenty years of experience in the entertainment world. The director is Francesco Negrin, a theatre
director who works mostly in opera, at prestigious venues like London's Royal Opera House and the
Sydney Opera House, the New York City Opera and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. Two acts and five
different spectacular scenic effects, designed by the incomparable Michael Curry: visual and concept
designer for big names like Cirque du Soleil, The Metropolitan Opera, London’s Royal National Theatre,
leading a team of over 50 scenery designers and makers who design and make creations for live
entertainment. A backdrop for the magical choreographies, devised by another big name: Nathan Clarke,
the famous dancer as well as Associate Director and Choreographer of the closing ceremonies for the
London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, a role he has also played for some of the best known TV talent
shows in the world. John Metcalfe, on the contrary will coordinate the music direction. One of the most
sought-after arrangers in the United Kingdom, he is most famous for his work with Blur, Morrissey,
George Michael and the Pretenders. A spotlight on fashion too, with costumes designed by Ali Madhavi,
the well-known artist and photographer dubbed “Ambassador of Glamour” as well as Artistic Director of
the Crazy Horse Paris who, for this show, took inspiration from the sensuality of the Intismissimi's
Autumn/Winter 2014 collection; and lastly projections designed by multi-award-winning Londoner, Kate
Dawkins, expert in innovative shows using projections and LEDs, but also the lights and shade by the
renowned Light Designer Bruno Poet.
THE MUSIC PROJECT
The Musical Director of “Intimissimi on Ice Opera Pop” is John Metcalfe, the composer born in New
Zealand, but settled in England. An artist who has combined academic training with his passion for
electronic and new wave music, ranging from the rock music world to that of classical music.
Marco Balich entrusted him with the writing and creation of this ambitious musical project, Intimissimi on
ice Opera Pop.
After a couple of meetings between Marco Balich, Creative Director of BWS, Francisco Negrin, director
and author of Intimissimi on Ice Opera Pop and John Metcalfe, on the preliminary choice of music, the
composer immediately began looking for various sound solutions, which would not confine the show
within the boundaries of a single musical genre, but would expand its horizons and the international feel
of the whole project.
Thanks to an incredibly clear vision of what they wished to create, with a continuous exchange of ideas
the team arrived at the final sound track for the show, giving the right balance of sound and groove, and
above all remaining close to the meaning of the original song, without losing the pop feeling of the music.
The tunes chosen reflect the heart of the project and describe the moods of the characters with their
3 words; the phrases of the songs and of the arias become the words of the ice stars and all that remains
for the audience to do is to drift into a contemporary fairy tale.
In this complex musical operation, the real challenge has been to combine opera arias with very famous
pop tunes, maintaining the great value of a musical score that is intimate and sophisticated, yet not
excessive and pompous, as often is the case with orchestral music.
Intimissimi on ice OPERAPOP includes pop songs and opera arias, masterfully performed by 5
incomparable singers and one musician:
CONDUCTOR: Alessandro Cadario
VIOLINIST: Catharina Chen
OPERA SINGERS Elisa Balbo, Trine Bastrup Møller, Sara Hershkowitz, Enrique Ferrer, Palle Knudsen
Repertorio opera eseguito
INVERNO - LE QUATTRO STAGIONI, A. Vivaldi Catharina Chen, violinista
SÌ, VENDETTA! - RIGOLETTO, G. Verdi Palle Knudsen, baritono Sara Hershkowitz, high soprano
EBBEN, NE ANDRÒ LONTANA - LA WALLY, A.Catalani Elisa Balbo, lyric soprano
EBBEN, NE ANDRÒ LONTANA - LA WALLY, A.Catalani Elisa Balbo, lyric soprano
LA CI DAREM LA MANO - DON GIOVANNI, W. Mozart Palle Knudsen, baritono Sara Hershkowitz, high
soprano
VEDI, LE FOSCHE NOTTURNE SPOGLIE / STRIDE LA VAMPA - IL TROVATORE, G. Verdi Trine Bastrup
Møller, mezzo soprano
VIVA LA VIDA, Coldplay Arrangiamento di John Metcalfe Catharina Chen, violinista
FLOWER DUET, Lakmé Trine Bastrup Møller, mezzo soprano Elisa Balbo, lyric soprano
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND - GLI UOMINI PREFERISCONO LE BIONDE, Jule Styne e Leo
Robin Sara Hershkowitz, high soprano Arrangiamento di Steve Sidwell
LARGO AL FACTOTUM - BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA, G.Rossini Palle Knudsen, baritono
NESSUN DORMA - TURANDOT, G.Puccini Enrique Ferrer
Repertorio pop
TITANIUM & STRONGER mash up,
Kelly Clarkson, David Guetta feat Sia
Arrangiamento di John Metcalfe
A TIME FOR US ROMEO E GIULIETTA, Nino Rota
Arrangiamento di John Metcalfe
BURN, Ellie Goulding
Arrangiamento di John Metcalfe
4 VIVA LA VIDA, Coldplay
Arrangiamento di John Metcalfe
Catharina Chen, violinista
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND –
GLI UOMINI PREFERISCONO LE BIONDE,
Jule Styne e Leo Robin
Sara Hershkowitz, high soprano
Arrangiamento di Steve Sidwell
A LITTLE PARTY NEVER KILLED NOBODY
(All We Got) THE GREAT GATSBY, Fergie
INTIMISSIMI ON ICE OPERA POP
“Ice has never been so hot”
Spettacolo in due atti
ACT 1
I . THE ICE WORLD
Il suono pungente di un violino svela un mondo di ghiaccio in cui uomini e donne combattono tra loro,
senza dialogo e senza emozioni.
II . THE POWER OF DREAMS
I sogni sono visioni che danno speranza e liberano l’uomo dalla morsa del gelo, una pioggia di meteoriti si
insinua come un fiume di lava, nelle trame del ghiaccio, creando immagini di un amore.
III . THE FIRE IN THE SOUL
Con tocchi leggeri le due anime accendono il fuoco dell’amore, in un vortice di sensualità e passione:
l’oscurità e l’isolamento soccombono alla forza luminosa dell’amore.
INTERVALLO (25MIN)
ACT 2
IV . THE GARDEN OF DELIGHT Una natura complice e festosa sboccia dal ghiaccio. Intrecci
leggeri e colorati tessono una trama preziosa e caleidoscopica.
V . THE CELEBRATION
Nasce l’unione, nasce la coppia, è la primavera della sensualità, in una danza tra corpi sospesi, come in
un concerto tra sogno e realtà inizia la festa.
Advance sales of tickets
Advance sales of tickets for Intimissimi On Ice OPERAPOP are available on the Ticketone and Geticket
circuits and from Unicredit bank branches.
5 Ticket prices will start at 38 euros for a not assigned seat on the gradinata up to 140 euros for a
poltronissima - 1st row seat.
Some figures for the show:
11 Olympic Figure Skating Champions plus many other Champions
12,000 seats for each show
Over 200 hours of rehearsals by the skaters to prepare this show
13 of the greatest works of classical music will be performed
1,200 sq. m of ice for the set
Over 300 light fixtures for the light design
A total of over 210 people working on the project
6 Red carpet Intimissimi on ice OPERAPOP
A fairy-tale of beauty, magically told by the Intimissimi Muses, that have been representing the Italian
spirit of the brand in the world.
Sensual women, that embody a fine and delicate femininity, in line with the characteristics of all the
th
Intimissimi products, will be the protagonists of the red carpet on the 20
of September in Verona. In
fact, some of Intimissimi’s most famous faces will enlighten the front row of the Arena di Verona for
Intimissimi On Ice OPERA POP. These enchanting women have been chosen to evoke on this special
occasion twenty years of history of a brand that stands as a symbol of the Italian lingerie.
The stunning Brazilian supermodel Ana Beatriz Barros star of the present AW14 campaign, who had
already been the brand’s body and face some years ago; Irina Shayk who started her modelling career
with Intimissimi and who is now internationally known; the attractive Russian model Katsia Zingarevich,
as well as the seductive Spanish actress Blanca Suarez will be at the show along with a true icon of
Italian glamour, supermodel Bianca Balti.
Bianca, who has worked with some of the world’s biggest fashion brands, was chosen as the 2010
Intimissimi ambassador immediately after the birth of her daughter, Matilda, who will join her on the red
carpet.
The international fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni, from The Blonde Salad, will be front row at Intimissimi
on Ice OPERA POP on Sunday, 21st September.
These beautiful, healthy women of a sunny nature have been representing the DNA of Intimissimi over
the past years. On this special night they choose to join the brand to demonstrate their affection and
gratitude.
The pure beauty and talent form the red carpet to the show will make this evening unforgettable.
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