Sylvia

About

Sylvia, also called La Nymphe de Diane, premiered at the Paris Opera in 1876 with a score composed by Delibes. While the ballet was initially met with acclaim, particularly with the support of Tchaikovsky, who insisted that Swan Lake paled in comparison, the success was short lived. The story follows a nymph of Diana cursed by multiple gods, which seems to parallel the apparent curse on the success of Sylvia and the various attempted productions of it throughout the centuries. Only in the 21st century does Sylvia seem to have finally found the success it deserves. This production is choreographed by Frederick Ashton.