Cirque de la Symphonie
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Circus |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | William H. Allen, Alexander Streltsov |
| Headquarters | Athens, Georgia , United States |
Key people | Alexander Streltsov (president and managing director) |
| Products | Circus performances with live symphony orchestra accompaniment |
| Website | www |
Cirque de la Symphonie is a traveling circus company based in Athens, Georgia, established in 2005 by business partners William H. Allen and Alexander Streltsov. Their operational approach combines streamlined contemporary circus performances with live symphony orchestra accompaniment. The troupe has enjoyed substantial commercial popularity and critical praise, consistently achieving sold-out audiences.
History
During the 1990s, Allen developed the idea of fusing circus performance with fine art while collaborating with Russian artists, subsequently inviting Streltsov to join the venture in the United States. Beginning in 1991, Allen produced productions that integrated circus acts alongside regional orchestras. In 1998, a collaboration with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra resulted in an acrobatics and symphony presentation that was well-received commercially. This positive reception facilitated growth across several states, culminating in the formal incorporation of Cirque de la Symphonie in 2005, debuting with a major show alongside the Houston Symphony. Currently, Streltsov holds sole ownership and functions as president and managing director, continuing to capitalize on the company’s distinct niche by blending performing arts to appeal to classical music audiences internationally.
Performances
Cirque de la Symphonie exclusively partners with live symphony orchestras, coordinating circus performances directly with orchestral compositions. The company has collaborated with more than 100 orchestras worldwide, including notable engagements in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Their strategic focus lies in enriching the auditory experience by introducing a visual element, positioning orchestras on stage alongside acrobats rather than relegated to an orchestra pit.
Repertoire choices are made collaboratively with each orchestra’s conductor, encompassing classical works, ballet selections, film scores, and popular music arrangements. The shows maintain a minimalist aesthetic, generally featuring no more than two performers simultaneously and avoiding ornate costumes to keep attention centered on the music. Cirque de la Symphonie customizes its acts to accommodate compact concert hall stages—often restricted to widths of 12-15 feet—setting it apart from conventional circus productions.
Performers
The troupe features a varied group of circus specialists skilled in multiple disciplines:
- Ekaterina Borzikova: aerial platform
- Vitalii Buza: gymnastics and aerialism (since 2014)
- Aloysia Gavre: aerial hoop (since 2008)
- Jarek & Darek: hand-balancing duo (since 2005)
- Vitaliy Korshunov: acrobatics
- Janice Martin: aerialism combined with violin
- Andrey Moraru: hand-balancing and acrobatics (since 2014)
- Alexandra Pivaral: contortion, balancing, hula hoops
- Pavel Prikhodko: aerial straps and acrobatics
- Alexander Streltsov: cube artistry and aerialism (2005–2016)
- Vladimir Tsarkov: juggling and mime (since 2008)
- Elena Tsarkova: contortion and quick-change (since 2008)
- Christine Van Loo: aerial silks and hoop (since 2008)
This ensemble underpins Cirque de la Symphonie’s distinctive business strategy by merging circus artistry with orchestral music to engage a specialized segment within the performing arts market.
Critical reception
Cirque de la Symphonie has garnered considerable commercial success and favorable reviews, with numerous orchestras opting to host the production multiple times. Its distinctive blend of circus artistry and symphonic music appeals to a broader audience than typical classical concert attendees. Founder William H. Allen highlighted the frequent sell-out performances and record-breaking attendance figures achieved by collaborating orchestras. Critics have praised how the acrobatic elements amplify the majesty of classical compositions such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, emphasizing the troupe’s unique position within the entertainment sector.
Controversies
In January 2017, William H. Allen, co-founder and former co-owner, admitted guilt to charges related to covertly filming underage performers during the 2015 tours. He received a sentence of two years in state prison followed by ten years of probation, presenting a major reputational setback for the organization.