BRB departures and arrivals

Published: 8 August 2020
Reporter: Vera Liber

Delia Mathews and Brandon Lawrence in Embrace Credit: Emma Kauldhar
Delia Mathews and Rory Mackay in Hobson's Choice Credit: Bill Cooper
Delia Mathews in Sense of Time Credit: Bill Cooper

As Birmingham Royal Ballet begins its preparations for a return to performance, Director Carlos Acosta has announced list of joining and departing company members.

Departing are Delia Mathews (Principal), Maureya Lebowitz (First Soloist) and Aitor Galende (First Artist). On 1 September, Matilde Rodrigues arrives as Artist, and from the Royal Ballet School come Lucy Waine, Sofia Liñares Vazquez and Shuailun Wu all as Artists; on 1 November, Darel José Pérez joins as Apprentice, and in January 2021 Javier Rojas as Artist.

There are no formal promotions, but two apprentices Ryan Felix (Elmhurst Apprentice) and Tessa Hogge formally join the Company as Artists.

Acosta said, "so far, 2020 has been a formidable challenge for all of us. The lockdown has forced Birmingham Royal Ballet to work very differently, and to postpone or adapt our planned performing schedule.

"But as we start to ease back tentatively from lockdown, the moment arrives in which we announce the names of dancers who are joining the Company for the start of the 2020/21 season. This gives us a focus on building for our future, and brings a welcome element of new hope and excitement."

He added, "the Company has proven its resilience in these difficult times and we are thankful for the contribution everyone has made on and off stage during 2020/21. We wish all of our dancers, whether with the Company or beyond, great success in the future and thank the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and our brilliant backstage team for making Birmingham Royal Ballet such an extraordinary place to work and perform.

"I am reminded at times like these, of the wise words of Dame Ninette de Valois, Founder of The Royal Ballet School and Companies: 'Respect the past, herald the future, but concentrate on the present'."

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