Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Tarik O'Regan
Mata Hari (2015)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Commissioned by the Dutch National Ballet, choreography by Ted Brandsen
- 2(pic).2(ca).2(ebcl, bcl).asx.2(cbn)/4.3.2+btbn.1/timp.3perc/pf.cel.2hp/str
- 2(I:pic.II:pic,afl).1(ca).2(I:Ebcl.II:bcl).2(2cbn)/2.2.1+btbn.0/timp.2perc/pf[cel,epf].hp/str
- 1 hr 40 min
Programme Note
The turbulent life of the Dutch spy and dancer Mata Hari is at the heart of a large-scale production by Dutch National Ballet. Margaretha Geertruida Zelle – as Mata Hari was really called – is one of the most iconic women in Dutch history.
IN SHORT
Mata Hari was born to a well-to-do Frisian family in 1876 as Margaretha Zelle. Following an unhappy marriage, Zelle went to seek adventure in Paris. As the exotic, mysterious Mata Hari, she became one of the most famous dancers of her day. She travelled throughout Europe and had highly placed lovers everywhere, which made her an ideal spy during World War I. She was accused – rightly or wrongly – of being a double agent, and she died in front of a French firing squad in 1917.
IN SHORT
Mata Hari was born to a well-to-do Frisian family in 1876 as Margaretha Zelle. Following an unhappy marriage, Zelle went to seek adventure in Paris. As the exotic, mysterious Mata Hari, she became one of the most famous dancers of her day. She travelled throughout Europe and had highly placed lovers everywhere, which made her an ideal spy during World War I. She was accused – rightly or wrongly – of being a double agent, and she died in front of a French firing squad in 1917.
Media
Reviews
"Tarik O’Regan‘s music for this ballet is a wonderful thing. Powerful, stirring, athletic. O’Regan did not seem to be attempting 21st Century modernity with the work, opting instead to create a score that lives in the a tonal and conceptual space somewhere between Copland and Barber.
...
And I’ll say it again, Tarik O’Regan’s music was top-tier. Bound tightly to the narrative, it powerfully evoked the dramatic arc of the woman’s life and elevated the proceedings with a grand score."
15th January 2025
Throughout the ballet, Tarik O’Regan’s music is an equal partner in raising the drama. Irregular time signatures bring impatient energy, and he knows what to do with a big emotional moment.
31st May 2020
Discography
Mata Hari - A ballet in two acts by Ted Brandsen
- LabelWarner Classics
- Catalogue Number0880242616289
- ConductorMatthew Rowe
- EnsembleDutch National Ballet
- SoloistAnna Tsygankova, Mata Hari