Alberta Ballet – The Fiddle and The Drum

Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the world premiere of Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and the Drum, a storied collaboration that launched what has become Alberta Ballet’s hallmark concept—its signature portrait ballets.

The fruit of an intense 2-year labour of love between famed Canadian singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, and Choreographer Jean Grand-Maître, witness what the songstress describes as “the most satisfying project of her career”.

Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and the Drum gives passionate expression to Mitchell’s lifelong concern with the issues of conflict, violence and humanity’s continuing devastation of the environment. Alberta Ballet dancers depict Mitchell’s most famous characters from her lyrics and artwork, at times in counterpoint, abstractly illustrating our fragile hope and potential for the creation of beauty.

Mitchell’s passion for this ballet was momentous, culminating in a project that is a true expression of this national treasure’s diverse and rich talent. She invested herself in designing the sets, video installation, and libretto, punctuated by a soundtrack that includes three songs she expressly wrote for the ballet.

Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle and the Drum marked a pivotal moment for Alberta Ballet. The portrait ballet series continues to grow and today includes repertoire inspired by other notable artists, including k.d. lang, Sarah McLachlan, Elton John, Gordon Lightfoot and The Tragically Hip.

Experience this exquisite ballet, and understand why it launched the most important era yet for Alberta Ballet.

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