All about Diaghilev
New biography of Diaghilev
Sjeng Scheijen's new biography of the founder of the Ballets Russes and arguably the greatest (and most controversial) impresario of all time is the perfect accompaniment to this year's season of Diaghilev events. Based on extensive research in little known archives, especially in Russia, Scheijen’s biography is authoritative and revelatory, and brings a complex and powerful personality with boundless creative energy fully to life.
Diaghilev founded the Ballets Russes as a laboratory and platform for the avant-garde, bringing together composers like Stravinsky and Prokofiev, dancers and choreographers like Nijinsky and Balanchine and legendary artists and designers like Picasso, Bakst, Goncharova and Coco Chanel. The influence of Diaghilev’s artists was so enormous, his ideas so revolutionary, that the impact of his genius is still felt today.
Diaghilev (1872-1929) is a character on the scale of myth. Growing up in a minor noble family in remote Perm, as a very young man he became a groundbreaking art historian and publisher in St Petersburg. Moving soon onto a bigger stage, he became a central figure in the artistic worlds ofParis, London, Rome, Berlin and Madrid during the golden age of modern art. He lived through bankruptcy, war, revolution and exile. Furthermore he lived openly as a homosexual and his liaisons, most famously with Nijinsky, and his turbulent friendships with among others Stravinsky, Coco Chanel, Misia Sert, Prokofiev and Jean Cocteau give his life an exceptionally dramatic quality.
Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes, 1909-1929
Now – 9 January
This major exhibition at the V & A reveals Diaghilev's enduring influence on 20th-century art, design and fashion and includes more than 300 objects including giant theatre cloths, original costumes, set designs, props and posters by artists and designers including Léon Bakst, Georges Braque and Natalia Goncharova.
In addition to the main exhibition, the V & A is holding a number of other Diaghilev themed events:
Curator Talk: Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes
Wednesday 6 October
13.15-14.00
Join V&A Exhibition Curator, Jane Pritchard, to discover more about the glamour of the Ballets Russes.
Music of Diaghilev with the Philharmonia Orchestra
Friday 1 October
19.00-21.00
An evening with the Philharmonia Orchestra Chamber Ensemble with pieces from Stravinsky, Debussy, Satie, and Ravel.
Rephrasing the Ballets Russes
October 17-20, 22-28 & 30-31
11.00-17.00
See artists from the English National Ballet rehearsing works inspired by the Ballets Russes.
In collaboration with the English National Ballet
Ballets Russes Design Perspectives
English National Ballet and London College of Fashion
Friday 19 November
20.00 Performance; 20.45 Film screening
English National Ballet dancers showcase clothes by students from London College of Fashion, inspired by the Ballets Russes.
A collaboration between English National Ballet, London College of Fashion and the V&A
For tickets and more information see www.vam.ac.uk