“Swan Lake”
(A ballet in 3 acts)
Libretto – V. Begichev and V. Geltser
Choreography – L. Ivanov and M. Petipa
Conductor of the Performance
Ayyub Guliyev
Honored Artist, laureate of international conducting competitions and the national "Humay" Award
Production Choreographer
Gamar Almaszade
People’s Artist of the USSR, Laureate of the USSR State Prize
Stage Designer
Lev Ivanov
Synopsis of the Ballet
Act I
Scene 1. In the garden of an ancient castle, Prince Siegfried is celebrating his coming of age. Guests raise their glasses, dance, and enjoy the festivities. The Queen reminds Siegfried that the next day he must choose a bride.
As night falls, Siegfried is left alone. In the distance, he sees a flock of swans flying and, grabbing his bow, rushes toward the lake.
Scene 2. The quiet shore of the lake. Graceful white swans glide across the water’s mirror-like surface. These are young maidens cursed by the evil sorcerer Rothbart. Only true love can break the spell, especially for the swan queen Odette.
Siegfried arrives and sees a swan with a crown transform into a beautiful girl—Odette. He tries to approach her, but she retreats in fear. Their eyes meet, and a strange feeling takes hold. Siegfried vows his eternal love.
Act II
At the palace, a celebration is underway. Siegfried must choose a bride among noble maidens, but none capture his heart.
Suddenly, Rothbart appears with his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette. Tricked by her resemblance, Siegfried proclaims his love and selects Odile as his bride. He has broken his vow, and the curse over Odette and the other maidens remains unbroken.
Devastated, Siegfried rushes back to the lake.
Act III
Night. The enchanted maidens gather by the lakeshore in sorrow. Siegfried has broken his vow, and all hope seems lost. Rothbart triumphs.
Siegfried arrives and begs Odette for forgiveness. Though she forgives him, the curse remains. In despair, Siegfried challenges Rothbart. The power of love prevails over evil.
Rothbart is defeated, his dark realm collapses, and the first rays of sunlight shine on the reunited lovers—Odette and Siegfried.
