Press reviews of the Vienna State Ballet premiere “The moon wears a white shirt” with choreographies by Martin Schläpfer, Karole Armitage and Paul Taylor 

“Fairytale dance in the moonlight (...). The Vienna State Ballet’s triple bill at the Volksoper lives up to the promise of the title ‘The moon wears a white shirt’, taken from a song text of the ‘Ligeti Essays’. The choreographies (...) have great depth and convey fairytale poetry.” (Kurier, 13.11.2023)  

“The dance ensemble masters this evening fabulously, and the Volksoper orchestra under Christoph Altstaedt clearly fits the musical mix.” (Der Standard, 13.11.2023)

“A varied and emotional ballet evening with a strong ensemble from the Vienna State Ballet.” (ORF, ZIB, 12.11.2023)

“It may seem difficult to engage with cheerful art right now – but opportunities to take a deep breath can help us cope with the present. Such as now at the Vienna Volksoper, which is presenting a new, triple bill that begins seriously, then lightens up poetically and ends happily. (...) This mix audibly convinced the Volksoper audience at the premiere on Sunday.” (Der Standard, 13.11.2023)

“The outstandingly dancing and expressive Mila Schmidt (...) creates a sensitive portrait of a strong woman who draws strength from her loneliness for her relationships with men as well as in fleeting encounters (...). Schläpfer choreographs the multi-layered music very harmoniously.” (Kurier, 13.11.2023)  

“Alfred Schnittke's Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra (‘Drittes Klavierkonzert’) is a powerful piece of music, which is also evident in the interpretation with conductor Christoph Altstaedt and pianist Alina Bercu. It opens up many associative spaces and sometimes breaks over the listener like a violent thunderstorm (...). The Concerto for Violin and Orchestra op. 3 no. 2 by Pietro Locatelli (‘Dandelion Wine’) is very romantic and emphatically cheerful, with the captivating violinist Bettina Gradinger.” (APA, 13.11.2023)