NZSO Setting Up Camp: The Soldier's Tale

Composed in 1918, The Soldier’s Tale’s first tour was cut short by the Spanish flu but it has remained a perennially popular work ever since. Written “to be read, played and danced”, The Soldier’s Tale tells the story of the titular Soldier who makes a deal with the Devil: in exchange for the Soldier’s magic violin, the Devil will grant his every wish.

This work is based on a Russian folk tale, was co-created with Swiss writer C.F. Ramuz, and gave Stravinsky the chance to display and include all of his favourite musical influences. You’ll hear tango, waltz, ragtime, Jewish klezmer, church chorales, and the Spanish paso doble all brought together in Stravinsky’s intoxicating score.

In theatres and halls across Wellington and the South Island, actors, dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and an ensemble from the NZSO will present this classic tale of magic, desire and being careful what you wish for.