What makes this circus stand out is the music.
A full-sized live orchestra with about 40 musicians will set the mood for Cirque Musica‘s acrobats, trapeze artists, highwire walkers, and clowns as they wow the audience in Abbotsford on Saturday.
The one-night-only performance will be the group’s biggest show yet in Canada, and the only Canadian stop on this tour. Previously, Cirque Musica has done smaller shows in Winnipeg and Calgary.
“What we’ve done that’s made it really unique and unlike anything else out there,” said show producer Steve Cook, “is we’ve taken the greatest music of all time – Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky, and The Planets, and going up to modern like Led Zeppelin and Bruno Mars – (and teamed it) with the greatest circus performers from around the world.”
That was the original idea that created Cirque Musica. The show itself features world-renowned artists on par with those in Cirque du Soleil and the Ringling Bros.
One of those is artist Simon Arestov. In his balancing act, called the Rolla Bolla, Arestov stands on a pedestal as he neatly stacks cylinders underneath him. Then he performs handstands and other tricks on top.
The second generation circus performer has been on stage since the age of five. His parents performed in Moscow, Russia, before settling in Canada after a circus tour in the country.
Having the circus in one’s blood is normal, Arestov explains.
“That’s how it typically is. You’re born into, and you stay into it because it’s such an exciting lifestyle. You get to travel and meet new people and go to new places,” he said.
His wife, Rietta “Lyric Wallenda” Arestov, is a seventh generation circus performer. She too is in Circus Musica, as one of the highwire walkers.
Arestov’s parents and two brothers are also performing, but with different groups.
“I want to do this as long as I can,” said Arestov.
Another highly anticipated act is that of David Larible. The performer is dubbed the “clown of clowns” and has headlined circus shows around the globe.
The mix of performers has resulted in a dynamic show.
“It has just created a unique, fun, family entertainment experience,” said Cook of the show. “It’s great for the whole family. You can definitely bring the kids. But it’s also a good date night. We see a big mixture.”
Cirque Musica will be at the Abbotsford Entertainment Centre on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at abbotsfordcentre.ca.
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