Art
Conelli: absolutely fabulous and as magical as always
Professionalism, incredible circus acts, amazing dancers and singers, this is Conelli!
Last night, family Gasser opened the doors of its winter circus on the Bauschänzli island for the VIP Première. Roby, Cindy, Tyler and Jeremy were there to welcome their guests such as Pepe Lienhard, Marco Cortesi and Zurich mayor, Corinne Mauch. While people were having a glass of Champagne, a piano player was performing live in the foyer.
And then in a full chapiteau the artists gave an incredible performance. Time flew by quickly.
The Nate Jacaobs Gospel Singers with Jeremy Gasser at the guitar and the Conelli dancers – copyright Veronique Gray
The wonderful charming Italian man, Pino Gasparini, was part of the show. It is its 5th times by Conelli. When he starts singing it is already magical. Pino has been with the Pepe Lienhard band since 1969 and has accompanied many artists like Sinatra during his career.
Roby Gasser had invited 4 talented girls from the United States, the Nate Jacobs Gospel Singers. They charmed the audience with their powerful voices. Britany Mc Hellon and Carlita Victoria have been in popular musicals.
Gaston & Roli at Circus Conelli – copyright Véronique Gray
Gaston and Roli with Pino Gasparini at Conelli Winter circus – copyright Véronique Gray
Of course the usual clowns duo, Gaston & Roli, came back to Conelli this year and will be there as long as they make people laugh. For the Première it was definitely the case!
Jean Lemoine provided an entertaining humoristic act with the help of the audience like the Zurich police spokeman Marco Cortesi.
Hansi Lemoine in Zurich at Conelli – copyright Véronique Gray
Roy Gardener and James amazed everyone with some magical tricks, making pigeons appear and disappear.
Many of the artists come from the Ukraine like the juggler Aleksandr Koblykov, the Duo Paradise (Anastasia Krutikova and Artem Panasyuk), Pavel Stankevych and the Duo Grigorov (Marina Glavatskikh and Oleksii Grigorov).
Roy Gardener and James at Circus Conelli in 2013 – copyright Véronique Gray
The Duo Paradise was absolutely fabulous, showing grace and sensuality during their difficult circus act. No wonder they already won many medals. Until 2009 Artem was a break dancer! During that performance they were accompanied live with Pino and a singer from the Nate Jacobs Gospel Singers. Breathtaking!
Pavel Stankevych at Conelli – copyright Véronique Gray
Another act, which was absolutely brilliant, was the hand equilibrium from Pavel. The crowd marvelled in front of this powerful man who had to remain concentrated to do his difficult figures and keep his balance. Bravo!
But this is not all.The duo Grigorov danced with magic in the air. The Zheijang acrobatic troupe showed how they could juggle with colourful umbrellas. The fifteen men and women from Russia, the Kovgar, dressed in traditional costumes, had a risky performance. They jumped really high in the air with and without protection.
Duo Grigorov at the circus Conelli – copyright Véronique Gray
Conelli would not be what it is without the great dancers all dressed in beautiful costumes, which they change regularly. It is Cindy Gasser, who is responsible for the dancers and the choregraphy of the show. Some of the dancers have been there for many years like the British dancer, Zoe Locke.
Conelli dancers entering the chapiteau – copyright Véronique Gray
A great show needs great music and light displays. Conelli has its own band, the Alex Big Band, made up of fifteen musicians, with director Alex Maliszweski. Jeremy Gasser, a talentous guitar player, often performs during the show. The light display is amazing, constantly changing with projection of huge stars on the ceiling.
Jeremy Gasser playing the guitar in the Conelli circus show – copyright Véronique Gray
Jeremy Gasser with the Conelli dancers – copyright Véronique Gray
During the Première Corinne Mauch gave a speech and said how happy she was to come to Conelli, She has been there as the mayor of the Zurich for the last six years and hopes that if she is re-elected in 2014 to be part of it again. She would not miss it for the world.
The end of Conelli show – copyright Véronique Gray
She won’t be the only one. Everyone left with a smile on their face after a standing ovation.
So don’t let your Christmas go by without Conelli. A night with family Gasser is always unforgettable.
For booking and information check out their website.
