Bossa Nova
Kristian Lever und Jonathan dos Santos
Synopsis
Soft guitars, smooth rhythms, and a hint of melancholy — Bossa Nova emerged in the streets of Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s and soon became Brazil's signature sound. Born from a fusion of samba, North American jazz, and European harmonies, this style produced worldwide hits like "The Girl from Ipanema" and shaped a whole generation of artists. Even today, Bossa Nova embodies a special feeling — a mix of elegance, longing, and lightness.
The ballet evening "Bossa Nova" brings this unique sound to the stage, with two choreographies offering different takes on the genre.
In Cartas Brasileiras, Jonathan dos Santos draws on personal memories: having grown up with the music of Bossa Nova, He brings his recollections of Brazil to life through finely nuanced dance sequences.
The choreography feels like a letter from afar — filled with delicate emotions, movements rooted in classical tradition, and the Brazilian "saudade", that bittersweet blend of longing and hope.
With Wonderland, Kristian Lever offers an experimental, strikingly visual counterpoint. He pushes Bossa Nova beyond its boundaries, drawing on the energy of modern remixes and deep, immersive atmospheres. His choreography becomes a journey through sound and imagination, blurring the lines between real places and inner worlds.
Two distinct styles, two different paths — united by a musical spirit that connects generations. "Bossa Nova" reveals how dance and music together can stir memories, open up new worlds, and make emotions visible.
Duration: 1h 45min / one break
Selected performance
We 05/07/2025 07.30 pm
Performances
Su 05/18/2025 05.00 pm Tickets
Tu 05/20/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
Th 05/22/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
Sa 05/24/2025 07.00 pm Tickets
We 05/28/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
We 06/04/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
Fr 06/06/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
Su 06/08/2025 07.00 pm Tickets
Tu 06/10/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
We 06/11/2025 07.30 pm Tickets
Audio introduction
von Armin Frauenschuh
Cast (on 05/07/2025)
Choreography
Jonathan dos Santos
Kristian Lever
Stage and Costume Design
Sascha Thomsen
Dramaturgy
Armin Frauenschuh
MIT
Valbona Bushkola
Annachiara Corti
Karine de Matos
Chigusa Fujiyoshi
Mikino Karube
Gala Lara
Lucas Leonardo
Samuel Pellegrin
Andrea Porro
Cassiano Rodrigues
Matteo Rondinelli
Quinn Roy
Ben van Beelen
Anna Yanchuk
Reviews
„‚Bossa Nova‘ verzichtet auf spektakuläre Effekte und gewinnt dafür mit viel Atmosphäre, die im Salzburger Landestheater stimmig zur Geltung kommt.“
„[…] die getanzte Erzählung, die das Ballettensemble so gefühlsgetränkt zum Leben erweckte, holte diesen fremden Duft des fernen Landes, diese andere Lebensart in die Mozartstadt.“