Kirov ballerina Alla Sizova stars as Princess Aurora, the role which made her a legend among dancers. Yuri Solovyov co-stars as the Prince, Natalia Dudinskaya portrays Carabosse and a young Natalia Makarova has a featured role as Princess Florina. Cast Aurora: ALLA SIZOVA Desire: YURI SOLOVYOV Carabosse: NATALIA DUDINSKAYA Princess Florina: NATALIA MAKAROVA Blue Bird: VALERI PANOV Lilac Fairy: IRINA BAZHENOVA The Queen: OLGA ZABOTKINA The King: VLADIMIR UKHOV Also featuring the dancers and orchestra of the Kirov State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and students of the Vaganova Choreographic School.

Tchaikovsky’s musical scores are lyrical, romantic and deeply emotional. This film endeavours to put the composer in context alongside Tolstoy as one of the most celebrated Russians of his time, examining his continuing significance in Russia today, and visiting locations which were important in Tchaikovsky’s life. His life is scoured to reveal an abortive marriage, his true feelings about homosexuality and how this may have been expressed in his music. Contributors include pianists Mikhail Rudy and Yevgeni Kissin, violinist Maxim Vengerov, conductor Valery Gergiev, ballerina Natalia Makarova, opera director Graham Vick and the Tchaikovsky-loving tram driver, Valentina. GREAT COMPOSERS – THE SERIES This landmark series presents the lives and works of seven musical giants from the Baroque era to the twentieth century. It examines the backgrounds, influences and relationships that make these seven composers part of the very fabric of the history of western music. Each composer’s life and work is presented through extensive performance sequences, and through interviews and comment from some of today’s greatest artists and most respected authorities.