The Royal Ballet opens the 2026/27 Season in the Linbury Theatre with The McRae / Vassilev Project, bringing Royal Ballet Principal dancer Steven McRae and Principal Guest Concert Master Vasko Vassilev together for an evening of music and dance.
Steven McRae and Vasko Vassilev have thrilled audiences over the years with their onstage vitality, charisma and theatricality. Acclaimed as a ‘modern-day Fred Astaire’ and ‘Super-Paganini’ respectively, McRae and Vassilev have earned numerous plaudits for their mastery of ballet and tap dancing and violin musicianship. Their distinctive qualities come together in this new venture in the intimate space of the Linbury Theatre.
Directed by acclaimed artist, theatre, film and opera director Natalie Abrahami, this special event unfolds in two distinct acts. The first act offers a personal insight into McRae and Vassilev’s individual artistic journeys, as each performer showcases their distinctive virtuosity and flair.
The second act presents the world premiere of a new ballet inspired by the performances and compositions of the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini, widely regarded as the first and one of the greatest virtuosi of all time. This highly anticipated work is choreographed by Loughlan Prior and features Royal Ballet Principal Sarah Lamb and pianist Pamela Tan-Nicholson.
The production brings together an exceptional creative team, with set and costume design by Anisha Fields, lighting design by Prema Mehta, sound design by Max Pappenheim and video and projection design by Tal Rosner.
Steven McRae, Principal dancer of The Royal Ballet, said:
“When I first performed alongside Vasko, there was an immediate understanding of how we both heard and felt the music. My dancing and his music became one – proof of my belief that music and dance are a marriage. This new project celebrates both art forms as well as our unique paths to the Royal Ballet and Opera, culminating in a tribute to Paganini, one of the world’s greatest composers and musicians. It has been a joy to immerse ourselves in the transformative world of theatre, collaborating with such a fantastic creative team. My thanks to Natalie, Loughlan, Anisha, Tal, Max and Prema for their artistic vision, as well as to our fellow performers, the ever-inspiring ballerina Sarah and pianist Pamela. We can’t wait to share our love of these artforms that have truly transformed our lives.”
Vasko Vassilev, Principal Guest Concert Master of the Royal Opera House, comments:
“Steven has a long-established dancing partnership with Sarah, just as I have my own musical partnership with Pamela. Yet the idea of Steven and me stepping beyond our familiar collaborations to create something entirely new and meaningful together is one that has been brewing for quite some time. It is Steven’s extraordinary versatility as a dancer that has inspired and motivated me to explore the instrumental world of Paganini beyond the innovations already contained within his original music. Steven being Steven allows me to imagine music beyond the notes on a score and the four strings of my violin, opening up new directions and possibilities for reinterpreting music that I have lived with and loved for a lifetime. Our journey together has been crazy fun. We have looked backwards, sideways, forwards and all around, seeking to tap, both metaphorically and literally, into the spirit of the incomparable and courageous Paganini. Along the way, we have benefited from immeasurable support, guidance, encouragement and generosity from our wider creative team, led by Natalie. Her unwavering confidence and patience made this exhilarating and at times perilous journey possible.”
