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Gloria was originally created by Kenneth MacMillan for The Royal Ballet in 1980.

Inspired by Vera Brittain’s wartime memoir Testament of Youth, in which the author laments the sacrifice of her fiancé and brother during World War I, the book resonated with MacMillan whose father fought at the Battle of the Somme.

A haunting tribute to the fallen, Gloria depicts the futility and brutality of war in a piece made all the more painful by contrasting moments recalling happier times of hopeful joy.

Northern Ballet dancers in Gloria
Northern Ballet dancers in Gloria
Lorenzo Trossello, Minju Kang and Giuliano Contadini in Gloria
Lorenzo Trossello and Giuliano Contadini in Gloria
Lorenzo Trossello in Gloria
Lorenzo Trossello and Giuliano Contadini in Gloria
Minju Kang and Giuliano Contadini in Gloria

Choreography
  • Sir Kenneth MacMillan
Producer
  • Antony Dowson
Staged by
  • Diana Curry
Designer
  • Andy Klunder
Lighting Designer
  • John B. Read
Music
  • Francis J.M. Poulenc
  • Gloria in G Minor
  • Ed. Salabert, Paris (Universal Music Publishing Group)
  • By arrangement with G. Ricordi and Co (London) Ltd.

Running time 25 minutes (approximately)

Photos taken by Emma Kauldhar